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Historical Use, Documentation, and BCP-Inherited Examples

One of the most authoritative published sources documenting the use of the Winchester Model 1894 by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police remains Arms & Accoutrements of the Mounted Police 1873–1973 by R. C. F. Philips and Don Klancher. This work reflects decades of dedicated research, field examination, and archival effort—particularly by Don Klancher, whose lifelong commitment to preserving RCMP material history has been invaluable.

Documented RCMP Use

Philips & Klancher make it clear that the Model 1894 was not a niche or short-lived arm within the Mounted Police. On page 63, they note:

“Use of the Model ’94’s by the Mounted Police has not been restricted solely to the Air Division. Until recently, these light, handy weapons were popular throughout the far-North for patrol work, and a few were still being used at the time of writing.”

This passage firmly establishes the Model 1894 as a practical patrol carbine, particularly suited to northern and remote detachments where weight, reliability, and portability were critical.

Page 64 provides a formal specification entry:

136 — WINCHESTER MODEL 94 CARBINE
Calibre: .30/30
Magazine capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel length: 20 inches
Overall length: 37¾ inches
Weight: 6 lbs. 4 oz.
Rear sight: open sporting
Fore sight: bead on ramp
Issued to the Air Division as a survival rifle for aircraft, and to some northern detachments.

BCP Carbines Inherited by the RCMP (1950–1951)

Since the publication of Arms & Accoutrements, additional documentation has surfaced regarding Winchester Model 1894 carbines inherited by the RCMP from the British Columbia Provincial Police (BCP) when that force was absorbed on 15 August 1950.

A February 8, 1951 inventory prepared at RCMP Headquarters in Victoria, British Columbia, recorded the transfer of 332 “.30-30 Winchester Rifles” from the BCP to the RCMP. According to Don Klancher’s research:

• 285 were classified as “New Models”
• 47 were classified as “Old Models”

The 47 “Old Model” carbines all carried six-digit serial numbers, ranging from 1XXXXX to 6XXXXX, corresponding approximately to 1900–1913 production.

No definitive explanation has yet been located that clearly defines the RCMP’s criteria for “New Model” versus “Old Model.” Available online sources have not yielded additional clarity.

The remaining carbines fell into the 121XXXX to 124XXXX serial range, dating to 1939–1940, with the majority clustered in the 124XXX range (1940 production).

Markings, Issue, and Configuration

These carbines were issued to RCMP detachments throughout British Columbia. Importantly:

• The carbines were stamped “BCP” followed by an issue number on the lower tang
• Examined examples were not stamped “MP”
• Several examined carbines—including one formerly owned by Don Klancher—were fitted with leather slings without BCP markings

Based on first-hand examination, Don Klancher concluded that:

“In my opinion, the sling swivels and sling were original equipment and had nothing to do with the RCMP.”

This distinction is critical as it suggests the sling hardware and leather slings are BCP-era features, not RCMP modifications.