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Just wondering if you had the choice, all other things considered equal, would you prefer half octagon/half round or all octagon barrel re m1894 ?
I think I read the half & half has a higher value but not sure given the choice what the demand is.
AG
I actually like the looks of full octagon better. I would probably go with half oct on a high condition gun just for value all other things equal.
AG
The half Oct is worth more but on a plain gun a full oct looks better.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
I like both the full octagon and half octagon and never thought about an old Winchester as an investment or worried about what one might be worth down the road. I bought them because since I was a kid I liked them. My pecking order, which I feel has served me well, has always been:
1. originality
2. condition
3. rarity
4. configuration
5. fair & reasonable price based on existing market conditions
Each of us should own what we like and what we can afford. Number 1 above is the most important – if a gun is not original and correct the rest does not really matter.
I look at them much the same as you do Burt, they are something to enjoy based on your individual tastes.
I like the 1/2 Oct barrel rifles so long as they have a full magazine, not so much into the 1/2Oct with 1/2 magazine. However, I do like the full octagon with half magazine. When it comes to standard rifles, whether a preference for octagon or round would depend on their condition and overall eye appeal. I have standard 1894 and 1892 rifles with oct and round barrels, but prefer to pack the round barrel rifles into the field, cant explain why other than they feel smoother in the hand and seem a little lighter weight.
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
As a point of interest, there is quite often a misconception within the collecting community that the ½ octagon barrel was a “special” order feature, when in fact, it was not. Instead, it was simply an “optional” order, and it was not a rare or even uncommon option.
In my research survey of the Model 1894 (serial numbers 354000 – 1012753), I have thus far documented 2,575 rifles (versus 3,078 carbines). Of the 2,575 rifles, 290 of them were manufactured with a ½ octagon barrel (11.27% of the total rifle population) as opposed to the 1,268 with a full octagon barrel (49.26% of the total). When I calculate using the 11.27% number, my extrapolation formula indicates that approximately 64,700 Model 1894 rifles were manufactured in the 1 – 1012753 serial number range (1894 through 1927). There were at least a few hundred more that were manufactured in the 1928 – 1937 timeframe (Winchester discontinued the “Rifle” variation of the Model 94 as of January 1938).
In regards to the original question, my personal preference is a Full octagon barrel when the magazine tube is also Full length. If the magazine tube is ½ (button) or ⅔ length, I prefer the ½ octagon barrel, as it has a nicer aesthetic look to it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I think it is interesting how the tiniest little thing can throw off my eye. For instance, when I look at the current production Winchesters compared to the old ones, I can see daylight between the barrel and the magazine on the new guns. I don’t like it. I also don’t like the blocky-looking front sites. Some folks wouldn’t even notice or care. And that’s okay by me.
I know it when I see it. The only question is, can I afford it. And, while it seems the look I like is at the low end of the price list, they still aren’t growing on trees or laying around cheap. So that makes me pretty picky.
I vote for the 1/2 oct. bbl. and full magazine. No one wanted mine. It sat in the warehose for 5 1/2 years before being shipped. Probably as 1907 was not really a good year for the 38-55. #348731. Big Larry
Sometimes you look at an old Winchester and you are just drawn to it! An example is the Model 1876 with a full magazine in Chris’s signature page – I just really like that old gun. I have discussed the gun with Chris before and it has family history – very few of us will ever own an old Winchester that they can trace to a member of our family. Attached is a Model 1876 of mine with a button magazine – I like it too – and, since it is a 50 caliber I really like it. My point, collect what trips your trigger – that will help you get the most enjoyment out of owning these old Winchesters.
I enjoy reading all these comments & each other’s preference. This is not a full rundown of my collection but I have an octagon full mag, octagon full mag takedown, half octagon half mag, full octagon half mag (takedown), round barrel with full mag takedown, & a round barrel short rifle full mag.
I actually like the full octagon 1/2 mag with shotgun butt the most. Not the most popular but you’re right Burt, something just draws our eye to a particular configuration.
AG
In regards to the original question, my personal preference is a Full octagon barrel when the magazine tube is also Full length. If the magazine tube is ½ (button) or ⅔ length, I prefer the ½ octagon barrel, as it has a nicer aesthetic look to it.
Bert
———————————————
I have to agree with Bert here on when 1/2 mag, I like half octagon barrel. Maybe because I own one, but its also looks nice to me & is light & balances well.
AG
I am getting a bit off topic but I often see comments on this forum where members say “I will know it when I see it” I totally agree with that statement – the gun just draws you in. For instance, every time Bert posts on this forum, which is a lot, I have to look at the deluxe hi-wall on his signature page and all I can do is wish that gun was on my wall! In my old age my Winchester disease is in remission but there was a time…. I called the previous owner of this matted barrel 86 twice a year for 5 years before I owned it. The first time I ever saw the gun I knew that I had to have it – I was drawn in.
Burt Humphrey said
I am getting a bit off topic but I often see comments on this forum where members say “I will know it when I see it” I totally agree with that statement – the gun just draws you in. For instance, every time Bert posts on this forum, which is a lot, I have to look at the deluxe hi-wall on his signature page and all I can do is wish that gun was on my wall! In my old age my Winchester disease is in remission but there was a time…. I called the previous owner of this matted barrel 86 twice a year for 5 years before I owned it. The first time I ever saw the gun I knew that I had to have it – I was drawn in.
Great story. Nice rifle!!
AG
As I have said I like the half octagon barrels, but have heard something awhile back about them not being as accurate because of the way the dovetail ramp/mag holder created pressure on the rnd barrel, full mag models. I have no idea if that is true.
Burt Humphrey said
I am getting a bit off topic but I often see comments on this forum where members say “I will know it when I see it” I totally agree with that statement – the gun just draws you in. For instance, every time Bert posts on this forum, which is a lot, I have to look at the deluxe hi-wall on his signature page and all I can do is wish that gun was on my wall! In my old age my Winchester disease is in remission but there was a time…. I called the previous owner of this matted barrel 86 twice a year for 5 years before I owned it. The first time I ever saw the gun I knew that I had to have it – I was drawn in.
Burt,
Just for you…
It is serial number 7397, and is one of just 120 high-walls made in 40-90 Ballard.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
Offline
I like the balance of a half but prefer the looks of a full octagon. If other collectors prefer the half I figure maybe I can buy a higher condition full for the same price as a slightly lower condition half.
Mike
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