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Looking at buying a 1894 30WCF rifle 1903 full mag tube and I noticed the mag tube hanger is located under the front sight. My other rifles DOM 1915 hangers are closer to mid barrel. Does this sound correct for the 1903?
AG
April 15, 2005
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AG,
The barrel has been shortened by a few inches on the rifle you are looking at. The magazine tube hanger ring should be approximately 3.5 inches from the muzzle face. If it is close to mid barrel, that too is an indication that something is not right.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks Bert,
Might have saved me from a regretful purchase(not the first one). It’s advertised as 26” barrel & a reputable dealer. i will try & send a picture.
AG
Here it is above Bert. Advertised as 26” octagon barrel with full (8 shot mag tube).
March 20, 2009
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AG said
Here it is above Bert. Advertised as 26” octagon barrel with full (8 shot mag tube).
AG,
It may have started as a 26 inch barrel rifle but it has definitely been cut down. Additionally, all of the metal has been poorly re-blued and the wood sanded and refinished. The front sight and magazine retaining band should be positioned as shown in the attached photo.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Thank you Michael. I thought something was odd but wasn’t sure. I appreciate your & Bert’s replies & expertise here. Definitely would’ve been a regrettable purchase for me.
AG
March 20, 2009
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AG said
Thank you Michael. I thought something was odd but wasn’t sure. I appreciate your & Bert’s replies & expertise here. Definitely would’ve been a regrettable purchase for me.AG
AG,
It would not have been regrettable. It would have been disastrous!! 
ALWAYS ask questions first WAY before reaching for the checkbook!
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
February 19, 2013
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AG said
Thanks Bert,Might have saved me from a regretful purchase(not the first one). It’s advertised as 26” barrel & a reputable dealer. i will try & send a picture.
AG
Reputable dealer?? I would ask him why he is selling junk then…….
November 7, 2015
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Manuel said
Reputable dealer?? I would ask him why he is selling junk then…….
Not junk, just not a first-rate collectible Winchester. It could be an excellent shooter or wall-hanger if priced accordingly. Only problem is some dealers don’t know the difference.
Mike
