Model 1894

sugarae

October 15, 2011 04:16

I have seen in print references to a "first model" of the Winchester Model 1894, that references a hole above the loading gate.
Anyone know about this?

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  sugarae

  October 15, 2011 04:16

  Good Morning All,
  I just picked up a model 1894 shooter { not a collecter } serial # 71369. The Stock, sights, butt plate, And all the other markings look the same as all my other 1894 rifles { not a carbine }. How do I tell if the 23 1/2 inch oct. barrel is original or been cut down? My other rifles all have 26 inch barrels.
  Thanks
  John

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  Floyd58523

  October 15, 2011 05:24

  Easiest way to tell is to look at the front site and see if the slot looks like a professional machine cut, compare your other rifles. Your can measure the length from the front site to the muzzle, 11/16". These recommendations are from The models of 1894 and 1895, Authur Pirkle. Volume 3 Book.

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  Bert H.

  October 15, 2011 12:01

  The first Model 1894 that was factory equipped with a 23-1/2 inch barrel was serial number 86623. What I suspect, is that your rifle actually has a 24-inch barrel, and those were not nearly as uncommon.
  
  The front sight dovetail slot should be exactly .75 inch from the muzzle to the forwardmost edge of the dovetail cut (on the bottom of the slot). The measurement from the muzzle face to the dead-center part of the dovetail cut should be exactly 15/16". The other item that can be verified is the magazine tube retaining band ring location. It is not possible to cut down a standard 26-inch barrel to 23.5 inches and not have the band ring in the wrong location. If it is located approximately 3.5 inches from the muzzle, then you most likely have an original barrel.
  
  
  Another option is to contact the Cody Firearms Musuem research office and get a factory letter for it. That document will tell you if the barrel was shorter than 26-inches.

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  sugarae

  October 15, 2011 13:30

  Thank you for your help. Even though it is very nicely done, based on your information, I'm sure it was cut. I measered 23 1/2 inches from closed bolt face to the end of the muzzle useing a cleaning rod down the bore. The center of the front sight is 1 1/8 inches from the end of the muzzle. The center of the mag. band is 1 5/16 from the end of the muzzle.
  Thanks Again
  John

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  Bert H.

  October 16, 2011 08:33

  Yep... it was chopped[:(].

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