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I’m curious if anyone has any thoughts on the quality/accuracy of the barrels used on the 1966-1968 era Centennials and Commemoratives?
I have a Buffalo Bill 26" that I am getting ready to do some load development and bench rest shooting with. And just wondered if anyone had enough experience shooting these to have an opinion.
I bought mine (in fired condition) specifically cause I wanted a long barrel to hunt with.
I Have a Canadian 1967 Centennial and an American 1966 Centennial. (30-30 ) I installed Williams peeps in existing receiver holes, and Lyman 17A front sight on both and have shot both @ 200M with decent results . I have got better groups out of the Canadian Cent so far, 5 shot groups less than 5 in @ 200, Both are like new, 26 Octagon barrels, were dirt cheap , because no box. Whats not to like? Dont tell anyone what a bargain shooters these are , or prices may creep up. I am about due to get these back into rotation , and see if I have enough rear elevation to reach 300M. I think they will. Limited load testing so far, finding 150 gr Jacketed and 22 gr 4198 decent , Cast should also be good in the mint bores
I’ve gone with the Williams FP 9436 TK rear peep with a MVA combination front sight (fine pin) (repro of a Lyman 5A) and I’m putting a barrel level in the rear dove tail.
Hoping to be able to have the rifle sighted in for 50yards on the Post and a couple inches high at 100 on the pin. Will see how it works out.
We have been working with the Sierra 125gr FPHP bullet going for a little more speed then you can get out of the heavier slugs.
Our Columbia River Blacktails fold up pretty easy compared to Mulies or Whitetails.
Just wondering why you guys think that a Centennial or Commemorative Barrel would be any different, other than markings, than the standard production run 94 barrel of the same time period? Or why it would be less accurate?
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
Maverick I don’t have any first hand experience with the regular production model 94’s from that era either. I hunted with a mid 1950’s model 94 as a kid all other Winchesters I own predate WWII
The main advantage of a full rifle barrel Commemerative to me , being the heavier 26 in Oct barrel keeps holding impact for a target shooter, for less than the price of a regular production carbine , meant for light weight carrying , a comfort compromise with the first two or three shots hitting a predictable area but not keeping groups together for long. The longer sight radius is also an advantage
The old vintage full weight rifle barrel with good bore is defiantly even more desirable and more rewarding to shoot, but comes with a heftier price tag unless it is refinished . or has some reason that collectors will shun it (other than bore condition)
Hope this doesnt make me too uncouth , I think most of you Collectors, and most hunters dislike the flash and gaudiness of a Commemerative, but thanks for letting me present my view
The flash and gaudiness is why I chose the Buffalo Bill. Aside from the Medallion in the Butt stock and the hard to see engraving on the receiver it looks pretty normal. Once add a leather Butt cover the Medallion will disappear from sight.
You make an excellent point about the sight radius. On my SRC the sight distance is just 17.5" While the 26" rifle with a receiver mounted peep sight is roughly 28.5" a HUGE difference.
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