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November 7, 2015
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Was a bit concerned about the bore of the ca. 1895 1894 in 38-55 I bought in Cody, looked a bit rough in the bore scope but I suspected it would be OK. This is the rifle I’ve been working on last few weeks; rust, dirty wood, broken firing pin, etc. Also had a new load using a new Accurate 38-255L mould so I didn’t know what to expect. Well, if I can get my phone & laptop to co-operate we’ll attempt to verify the old adage about a picture being worth a thousand words. Tight group of five to the right was with my new/old 38-55 @ 50 yds, vertical group to the left was printed with my old/new (1904) 1894.
Yep, she’s a keeper!
April 15, 2005
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Mike,
It looks like it will be a fine deer rifle… go harvest a deer with it this year!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 19, 2013
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Mike,
Great success after a lot of work. It’s a special rifle now with provenance!!
Bill
November 7, 2015
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Bert H. said
Mike,It looks like it will be a fine deer rifle… go harvest a deer with it this year!
Bert
Certainly could, Bert. Shoots better than the rifle I used last year. Shot with some guys who appreciate old Winchesters, one was shooting a nice old original target grade 69. Newest rifle I shot today (other than my new Super Grade) was built in 1915. Nice day at the range….even if it was 105 or so in the shade.
Mike
December 30, 2011
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Mike
I think many of the really good bores are probably sitting in gun safes and vaults where they’ll be never be used. Handloading for old rifles with bores that aren’t so perfect can be very satisfying, especially when you find they still shoot well. It looks like you picked a nice shooter.
November 7, 2015
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I agree, Brad. It’s hard to say how many really nice Winchesters will not see the light of day during my lifetime, just reinforces the idea that we are merely caretakers of these old relics.
Since most of my Winchesters have seen quite a bit of use I have a bit of experience in getting a worn and/or pitted bore to shoot. It is indeed gratifying to get one to shoot acceptably. It’s also pretty exciting to get one with a good bore, those old rifles shoot better than most folks will believe!
June 11, 2014
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Very nice accuracy for your ‘new’ 38-55. When I buy a vintage Winchester, take it to the range to try it out, and find that it is a tack-driver, it makes my day.
November 7, 2015
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Thanks, it generally makes more than my day. 
Was just telling a guy about it a few minutes ago, guess I should have pulled up the site and showed him a few pics.
November 7, 2015
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Guess I’ll nail the lid on this project. Shot the new/old 94 again today (finally!) @ 100 yards and the last five (after a bit of sight tweaking) went into a tad over 2″, think that is about all I can hope for with this loose nut behind the butt.
Got done shooting with ten rounds left. Old girl just may go hunting this year, Bert!
April 15, 2005
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TXGunNut said
Got done shooting with ten rounds left. Old girl just may go hunting this year, Bert!
Great news… no go kill a big old Buck with it, and post some pictures !
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Bert H. said
TXGunNut said
Got done shooting with ten rounds left. Old girl just may go hunting this year, Bert!Great news… no go kill a big old Buck with it, and post some pictures !
Bert
Last I heard we need to shoot does this year….but maybe a big old bruiser boar will wander by and let me do some cast bullet testing. 
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