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July 1, 2023
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I paid $50 to join this site for the sole purpose of finding out if this 1894 is a spruce gun. i had no idea what a spruce gun was when i acquired this rifle. i bought it simply because it was a 105 year old 1894 in great condition. i noticed the ordnance markings on it when i brought it home and researched them. that’s how i learned what a spruce gun is. i learned that there are fakes out there and i won’t be butt hurt if this one is a fake. like i said, i had never even heard of a spruce gun until i noticed the ordnance markings and researched it. fake or not, i will still be glad i bought such a nice 105 year old 1894. serial number is 834,335. thanks for your help.
April 15, 2005
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Hello Michael,
Please post (or send me) clear pictures of the ordnance markings on your Model 1894 SRC. I am the person who has been surveying (documenting) the Spruce Guns for the past 15+ years. Currently, I have (271) documented authentic Spruce Guns, and (26) documented Fakes. Your gun (S/N 834335) in not on either one of my lists. It is in the correct serial number range of the known Spruce Guns, so the odds are at least 50/50 it is genuine.
Bert – Win1885@msn,com
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 1, 2023
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Hi bert and thanks for getting back to me. I’ve attached 4 photos for you. i hope they’re big enough. if you need more, please let me know. thanks again.
i see it uploaded them sideways. sorry.
michael
November 26, 2014
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The martial markings look legit, but someone milled the receiver ring. Can you post a photo of the rear sight?
Bert can provide you with more info.
July 1, 2023
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yup, i noticed that too. when i bought it i had no idea about any of that until i brought it home, researched it and noticed it isn’t the ladder type like other spruce guns or like any non-spruce 1894s that old. i don’t know why anyone would want to alter such an old gun. well i’ve attached more photos. hopefully the upload doesn’t turn them around again. 
July 1, 2023
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if you notice, it’s missing the 1st screw on the rear tang (?). anyone know where i can get one? it’s missing the saddle ring too. i noticed the missing saddle ring when i bought it but didn’t notice the missing screw.
wow, i just noticed the small hole just above the gate. anyone know if that’s a missing screw too or why it’s like that? is it supposed to be like that?
April 15, 2005
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Michael,
Your Model SRC is a Spruce Gun, but it has several glaring issues. Specifically;
1. The crudely milled receiver frame ring.
2. The non-factory original rear sight.
3. The missing saddle ring.
4. The missing upper tang plug screw (an easy item to replace).
5. The receiver frame has been polished & reblued.
6. The stocks have been sanded & refinished (the butt stock it significantly undersized at the butt plate).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 1, 2023
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thanks, bert.
yes, i noticed the stock was refinished. it’s kinda shiny. i’ll have to shoot the crap out of it and dull it out. rub some dirt on it or something.
is there somewhere i can get an original type rear sight, a saddle ring and an upper tang plug screw? also, that hole above the gate on the right side, is that normal?
any idea on its value?
April 15, 2005
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Michael Baca said
thanks, bert.yes, i noticed the stock was refinished. it’s kinda shiny. i’ll have to shoot the crap out of it and dull it out. rub some dirt on it or something.
is there somewhere i can get an original type rear sight, a saddle ring and an upper tang plug screw? also, that hole above the gate on the right side, is that normal?
any idea on its value?
Check ebay for the No. 44A rear sight and the saddle ring. Any self-respecting gun smith has a box full of the 6-48 plug screws, or you can find them with a simple Google search – 6-48 plug screws – Google Search
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 1, 2023
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thanks a bunch for your help, bert.
July 1, 2023
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bert,
do you have any idea why someone would mill off that area of the receiver?
April 15, 2005
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Michael Baca said
bert,do you have any idea why someone would mill off that area of the receiver?
I do not. I am not aware of any practical reason to alter the frame ring in that manner.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
February 17, 2022
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Michael Baca said
bert,do you have any idea why someone would mill off that area of the receiver?
It would appear it was milled out to allow room for the elevator on that sight. If left alone it would hit frame ring and not work at the upper hieghts of said elevator.
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