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I am starting a collection of Winchester Model 1894 rifles, which to me have the best diversity of options and configurations. Not to mention I find them beautiful in most any condition. This being said, what drives you to add a gun to your collection, assuming price and condition of two or three guns are similar or at least relative to each other.
I started my collection by wanting to buy only model 1894 rifles configured with half octagon barrels, full length magazines, and crescent butts. These are not common and really appeal to me visually. I have a .30-30 in my small collection (of one) and have the opportunity to add .32 WS gun in the same configuration and in slightly better condition. I also have the chance to buy an 1894 rifle with a half octagon barrel, button magazine, and shotgun butt in .25-35 caliber for 20% more money. The .32WS is in much better condition than is the .25-35, which is more scarce and has more options. I know I can’t go wrong either way and wish I could afford both right now.
My question is will I get bored by having nearly identical guns varied only by caliber? Is it more pleasing over the long haul to add diversity to my collection? Since I am new to Winchester collecting I wanted to get feedback from some who have more experience than I.
Note that I do have other guns, including a 1951 Model 94 carbine, and other brands of lever guns. All of my guns will be shooters, regardless of condition, rarity, etc.
November 7, 2015
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Buy what you like, like what you buy. My 94’s followed me home for different reasons; chamberings, unusual features, condition, date of manufacture, one because I liked the wood. If a gun appeals to you that’s all that matters. If selling the gun later is a consideration then you need to consider what others like, e.g. condition, rarity and whether all features are original as it left the factory. JMHO of course, have fun!
Mike
I started the same way and now i have a 66, 73’s, 76, 86, 92, etc…….its a sickness that branches to all the other models….beware! 
If you like it and are buying it to shoot, the more common calibers are much easier Ammo wise, unless you re-load. It doesn’t take long to come across a nice model 94,but just wait till the model 92 next to it catches you eye for some reason- thatshow the sickness begins!
Hello,
None of us can tell you what you ought to collect. You have to decide what sort of collection do you want. I met a man about 8 years ago in Michigan who had one rifle of every Model which Winchester made. There also is no problem with getting one example of each major configuration for each Model. BUT that can start to be A LOT of rifles. So in the 1894’s that would be a solid frame sporting rifle in octagon, one in round, one in half round. All with full mags. Then the same three with half mags. Then three more in take down frame with full mags and then yet another three with half mags. AND THEN you should do it all for each of five calibers!!! If my math is right that would be 60 rifles. But wait!!! There is more. The carbines!!
You decide what you want and then go buy it. It really does not matter what anyone else thinks. You asked “My question is will I get bored by having nearly identical guns varied only by caliber?” Heck if I know. It depends on how much you are a detail kind of guy i guess.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Mark, I used to collect with a plan, 86’s, every caliber, then a deluxe in every caliber ect. I would fill the collection and end up selling most of what I bought except the one or two I really liked. That’s when I decided to buy only what I like in the first place. When someone asks me what I’m looking for my answer is, “I’ll know when I see it”. Enjoy the hobby, T/R
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