Winchester 94 SRC w/ A5 Scope: factory original?
For Bert H. (A friend at the S&W Forum said you'd know the answer to this question!):
Recently I came across this 1894 SRC (30-30), made in 1927, with what appears to be a factory-mounted Winchester-brand (pre-Lyman) A5 scope. I am wondering if there's any way to know if the gun was shipped from the factory already scoped?
Recently I came across this 1894 SRC (30-30), made in 1927, with what appears to be a factory-mounted Winchester-brand (pre-Lyman) A5 scope. I am wondering if there's any way to know if the gun was shipped from the factory already scoped?
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Get a letter from Cody if you want to know for sure. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by joel_black
Get a letter from Cody if you want to know for sure.
The gun owner mstern says.Unfortunately, the Cody museum doesn't have records on 1894s in this serial number range. [:)]0 -
Hello MStern,
First, it is not possible to get a factory letter from Cody (as Joel suggested). The original records held by the Cody Firearms Museum only go up to circa 1908/09 for the Model 1894 (serial numbers 1 - 353,999).
From the standpoint of when the Winchester A5 scope was in production (1909 - 1928), yes it is possible that it could be a factory installed scope.
The pictures you posted are really nice, but what I really need to see is a close-up of the rear telescope mount, and the Winchester "WP" (in oval) proofmark on the barrel. If the proofmark is covered by the mount, that very strongly suggests that it was not factory installed.
One thing is for sure... that A5 telescope (with its original box and mounts) is worth more than the SRC is.
Bert H.
Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!0 -
Thank you, Bert H.
Sure enough, there is no proof mark visible on the barrel, so I assume it is covered by the scope mount, and that the scope was installed after shipment. By the way, the reticle is not crosswires, but an aperture on a post, which I just read in Sharpe's book was one of six different options on this scope.0 -
OK, that fact tells me that it was not factory installed, but it definitely was a "period" installation. This is one of the rarer instances where the value of that SRC has been significantly enhanced by a post factory modification, and it will still have considerable collector appeal & value.
Bert H.
Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!0 -
Well, I have no doubt about Bert's Winchester knowledge, but.....the rifle sure looks silly to me. Not only does it have this huge target scope, but it also has the added tang sight which you can't even use. Either one, & certainly both, seem out of place on a utility grade SRC. It looks like Bubba's grandpa got carried away.
Neal0 -
Yeah Neal, like nobody WE know ever got carried away with a rifle.[}:)] 0 -
quote:Originally posted by nmyers
Not only does it have this huge target scope, but it also has the added tang sight which you can't even use. Either one, & certainly both, seem out of place on a utility grade SRC. It looks like Bubba's grandpa got carried away.
Neal
DUH !!! Neal the scope is removed and then you can use the tang sight.I think Mr. Stern put it in the up position you you could see it. [:(] [:)]0 -
quote:Originally posted by nmyers
Well, I have no doubt about Bert's Winchester knowledge, but.....the rifle sure looks silly to me. Not only does it have this huge target scope, but it also has the added tang sight which you can't even use. Either one, & certainly both, seem out of place on a utility grade SRC. It looks like Bubba's grandpa got carried away.
Neal
Neal... The set-up on that particular SRC is somewhat unusual, but it is a lot more practical than you think. With the M.L. Stith off-set telescope mount, you can indeed still use the Tang sight. The telescope is sighted in for one specific distance, and the tang sight for a different (usually shorter) distance. For what it is worth, it is quite common to find either Lyman or Marbles tang sights on the older SRCs... the longer sight radius helps tremendously.
Bert H.
Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!0 -
quote:Originally posted by nmyers
Well, I have no doubt about Bert's Winchester knowledge, but.....the rifle sure looks silly to me. Not only does it have this huge target scope, but it also has the added tang sight which you can't even use. Either one, & certainly both, seem out of place on a utility grade SRC. It looks like Bubba's grandpa got carried away.
Neal
Look at the pictures again, it's mounted offset to the left so either the scope or the peeps can be used. It looks pretty original to me, except for the lack of offset proofs.
joel-black, Read the thread, this year 1894 can't be lettered.
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Whenever I see a cow eat grass, I am reminded that "This too shall pass."............ Baxter Black0 -
I believe Bert H is right on the money regarding the two sets of sights. At 50 yards looking out the window of my office, the scope appears to zero in about 6 inches higher than where the tang sight is, which might mean the scope is set for 200 yards, the tang sight for shorter distance. As soon as weather allows, I'm taking this to the range to find out for sure. And of course, because the scope is offset, it is easy to switch from one sight to the other almost instantaneously. 0 -
Hello MStern...
Because this topic will soon be locked (we are beyond the normal 10 post limit), please repost a new topic after you get the chance to shoot it. I for one, am very interested in what the zero points are for both the telescope and the tang sight.
Bert H.
Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!0
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