January 26, 2011

Two more interesting 1894’s from the Cody show.
I found these two rifles this year and was drawn to the uncommon configurations. Both are ELW’s, one is a 22" octagon full magazine and the other has a variety of special features including 24" 1/2 round barrel, takedown, lettered sight package, 1/2 mag, shotgun butt and a 25/35 as a bonus. Lots of interesting differences to note when comparing the two guns.
On the 22", notice the mag tube is slightly larger than the barrel, and its the earlier version with the front sight dovetailed before they switched to the ramps on these thin barrels. Not much meat left between the bottom of the dovetail cut and the bore. Also take a look at the fore end wood and how it tapers in right away after leaving the receiver. This also has the shorter wood and the rear sight moved back an inch.
There are also two types of Lyman tang sights, 1 and 1A. Two styles of 3 leaf express sights and different front sights between the two rifles.
I’m starting to see why so many folks collect the 94’s……..the possibilities are endless………cant wait for Cody next year.
~Gary~
Gary
This is how it starts. We say we aren’t going to become 1894 collectors and all of a sudden… You have some great guns there.
Brad
January 26, 2011

Thanks for the compliments, fellows. The 25/35 has a lot more special features, but the 22" is pretty cool even with just two special order options. Like Rick said, it doesn’t seem like there would be as many full magazine lightweights w/ octagon barrel. I wonder how many other firearm companies would entertain so many special customer requests like Winchester did back then?
As for 94’s, I was honestly trying to steer away from them at first since it seemed like everyone collected them. I tried to only keep one or two examples, but all of a sudden this year I am up to 8 and they are all significantly different from each other. I’ll have to up the ante and start searching for some better 1892’s now. Maybe I will have to sacrifice a handful of the 22 pumps for the cause.
~Gary~
Those are both very nice 94s Gary. Well done. As much as I like TD rifles, I sure do find that 22" (non – TD) short rifle appealing. I think it has to do with the tapered octagon barrel and FM. I have a 22" short rifle with tapered octagon barrel and dove-tailed front sight, but it has a 3/4 mag, not a FM, and it is a TD. That 25-35 sure is appealing too. That is one thing I like about collecting 94s. Just so many different options / variations to look for. Just let me know when they get an itch for a new home. 8)
Matt
pdog72 said
Matt,
How about you show up in Cody next year and bring some trading material. Just a hop and skip from Canada. You have posted pics of some pretty interesting rifles too.
Thanks Gary. I tell you, I would absolutely love to get down to Cody some year for a show. That would be a dream come true. But, given it is about a 2100 mile drive from where I live, not sure when it will happen! Not too hard for me to bring down guns that are antique, but would be very difficult to bring down modern ones. And, most mine are post 1898, only have a few antique. Easy shipping them both up here though 🙂
I will get down to one of those shows one day. Be nice to meet some of you fine fellows.
Matt
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