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Hi:
I recently acquired a very minty 1894 dated to 1958 (my first). It’s in phenomenal shape but I have a question about the stock. It appears to have a very thin coat of varnish and I suspect this isn’t how it left the factory. Couple questions:
1. Is my assumption about the varnish correct?
2. If so, I’d like to remove it but I’m not sure of the best way to do this. I thought about gently removing it with steel wool but then thought it would be better to use a Tru-oil product. That way, I can take the stock to bare wood and steam out the small dents before refinishing. If however, the rifle came with factory varnish on the stock, I’ll leave it alone.
Appreciate any help and advice you may have. Thanks.
April 15, 2005
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Hello Stuart,
What is the serial number on your Model 94 Carbine?
The original finish was a spray on lacquer. I do not see anything that alarms me about the appearance of the wood finish on your Carbine.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 8, 2012
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Stuart,
Your 94 carbine is in great condition. I agree with Bert. The wood finish looks factory original to me as well.
Al
June 4, 2017
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Stuart,
You did the right thing by posting pictures and asking first. Bert knows and leaving your gun stock alone is in your best interest.
Many original guns are today not because an owner decided to “clean up” something. A gun is only original once. T/R
Bert H. said
Hello Stuart,What is the serial number on your Model 94 Carbine?
The original finish was a spray on lacquer. I do not see anything that alarms me about the appearance of the wood finish on your Carbine.
Bert
Thanks Bert. Appreciate the information! I looked at the stock again after everyone’s input and I think it is the factory lacquer. The finish is too even and consistent for it to be an owner applied varnish job. I’ll send the serial # of the rifle to you tomorrow when I get home. Interested in what that might reveal.
Another question. I’ve always wanted a “real” Winchester 1873 (I had a Uberti copy a few years ago). I’m wondering what the best way to acquire one is? I’m skeptical about the various gun sites and I know you and the other experts can put me on the right track. Thanks for your help.
April 15, 2005
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Stuart,
The best approach to buying an original Model 1873 is to attend one of the larger gun shows that features a decent number of antique Winchesters. What region of the country are you located?
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
San Diego, but not for long. Heading to the great state of Texas in 2024. Gotta get out of this crazy place.
March 31, 2009
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Stuart, come up to Gunslingers in Orange on most any Saturday morning. There are a few of us that get together there and we may be able to help.
Chuck said
Stuart, come up to Gunslingers in Orange on most any Saturday morning. There are a few of us that get together there and we may be able to help.Wow. Just checked out the GS site. Not sure how I missed this place but glad to know about it now. I’ll definitely take a trip up there in the next few weeks. Sure appreciate the help and advice. I’ll look you up when I visit. Thanks.
March 31, 2009
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Stuart said
Chuck said
Stuart, come up to Gunslingers in Orange on most any Saturday morning. There are a few of us that get together there and we may be able to help.
Wow. Just checked out the GS site. Not sure how I missed this place but glad to know about it now. I’ll definitely take a trip up there in the next few weeks. Sure appreciate the help and advice. I’ll look you up when I visit. Thanks.
Gunslingers has been around for some years now but mainly as an auction house in Glendora. Recently when Little John moved out of California he leased his building in Orange to Jeff.
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