Where is the serial number located

I have a Winchester model 94 lever action 30-30 and I can't find the serial number. It was handed down to me and I'm curious to see if I can track the rifles history. Can anyone tell me where it might be found?

hello ,,some are on the bottom forward of the lever this is the most common place ,, it may be on the lower tang behind or under the lever,,or possibly the top tang on older models ,,thats places i've seen serial numbers on winchesters usually..
bigcurt

thanks bigcurt, I looked and it appears to be under the lever in front of the trigger. If I could trouble you one more time any idea where I can go to get info on the serial number?

hi ben,
Recent research has proven that the information published by George Madis (and copied by most other reference sources) is incorrect. For the correct answer concerning the production dates for the Model 1894/94, the Cody Firearms Musuem has complete records for serial numbers 1 - 353,999 (October 1894 - June 1907). For the later years (1907 - 1942), the original factory Serialization records are intact. hope this helps.
Kim

Ben,

All model 1894 Winchester rifles had their serial number stamped on the bottom of the receiver in front of the lever action and just adjacent to the bottom of the fore end. If it is not there it is because it has been buffed/sanded off. There is probably no blue left in that area or the rifle has been reblued. Either way the value has dropped dramaticaly for the collector. Like none! That doesn't meen it still won't be a good hunting rifle. If it was reblued there probably are not any nice sharp edges on the receiver as they will appear more rounded. See the photo for correct serial number location. And I would love to see a picture of the same area on your rifle.

Good luck
2bit