Pre-64 Trapper

[Griff]

How many of you have seen a "Trapper" of this vintage: Pre- 64 .30-30 Trapper? It's 1st for me.

(Like to do a poll, but can't figure it out in this version... hint, hint!)

[arjunky]

Never seen one.
Earlier and Later, Yes.

Made up

A couple people must think it's right.

Byron

[rangerider7]

I would be sceptical of this carbine because of the shotgun butt, hooded front ramp sight, and saddle ring. None of these items go together in their time period, but I'm no expert in Winchesters so I wait to here from somebody who is.

[rjohns94]

looks nice. When did they first make trappers?

[arjunky]

Back when they were special order, I think you could order anywhere from 1894 to close to the end of the pre-war guns.
I can't find anywhere that shows a 16" "Trapper" from around the 40's to the mid 60's.
Even if it was right, I can't see a ramp front on it being right.

Byron

[lever-4-life]

The "old" trappers all had the long forend wood, That just looks like a nicely done custom to me...

[Griff]

Well, I don't know either, but... you have to either start with a Trapper barrel, re-contour a std carbine or relieve the front band for it to fit. I've not seen many catalogs for this era, (I was mostly interested in skateboards, water skiis, & surfboards at that time), but... it doesn't mean Winchester didn't. Sorta like this:

Factory, or??? Read more here.

Mike, I don't recall when the "Trapper" label was first laid on 'em, but understand extra short bbls have been offered on many Winchester models, most popular on the 1892s. Down to 12 or 13".

[Hobie]

That is a gunsmith rework of a post-"whatever year they started to D&T for the receiver sights but after 1949 or so"... It ain't a trapper in the modern sense but it apparently sold and a well done a short-barreled M94 is a wonderful thing. Never buy the story...

[Griff]

Ok, I think that was '52 or so? A re-work was my first guess; but... you never know. And... how do you do polls now?

[airedaleman]

Plus 1 on what Griff said. Believe Winchester offered short carbines with 12- and 14-inch barrels. Marlin's equivalent 1893 and 1894 carbines could be had with 15-inch barrels...

[airedaleman]

I just looked at the subject "trapper." Did someone actually commit $2,000 for this item?

[arjunky]

I just looked at the subject "trapper." Did someone actually commit $2,000 for this item?

Yep, more money than education.

Byron

PS. Poll should have Pre-64 and Post-war and I'd vote.

[TedH]

Holy Cow!

[Pete44ru]

JMO, but that's no factory gun.

[gak]

As someone else already noted - I've never seen a factory original from the 40s on to 64 - the "pre 64 era." As many know, Pre-Wars (genuine 14"-16" non-cut ones of course....but even some early cut ones) are the holy-grail for many lever collectors...both in 94 and 92 - are the most scarce and command the very highest dollar for those Win lever models - unless a certified/letter'd item belonging to Annie Oakley or some such. I believe Winchester or the industry in general referred to the "real" trappers as Baby Carbines? Oddly, Cimarron is importing an Armi Sport 92 variant they're calling a "Trapper" but for some reason chose a super short "short rifle" (octagonal, no barrel bands, etc.). Surprised they didn't do it up more like the 16" banded ones that are the darling of the collectors mentioned above. I guess it does make them unique, but I've never seen/referred such a baby short rifle as a traditional "trapper" -- may be some folks' cup of tea - just not mine.