Bert H. said

Cole459 said

It appears that Bert is still collecting info on flat bands.  Here is info on the 1894 carbine I just purchased:

S/N:         1495255  (I believe Mfg’d in 1948)

Cal:          30 WCF

Tang:        Type 3

Hammer:  Serrated

Cap:        Slotted

Barrel:     Unknown at this time

 

This is my first Winchester lever action.  I have wanted one since I was a kid a saw them in all the western/cowboy movies and shows. I am also brand new to this group.  I have some questions regarding my 1894 carbine.

I purchased the 1894 and 1895 book by Pirkle.  I believe that this book has most of the information from the Madis book, including its inaccuracies and omitted information. My questions about my carbine listed above are based upon information found in the book by Pirkle.

1) The upper tang has no markings on it exactly like the picture Bert included as his example early in the thread. Pirkle indicated that the upper tang should either have a type 7 or type 8 marking on the upper tang.  Is this one of the book’s inaccuracies?  Is an unmarked upper tang common/typical for an 1894 circa S/N 1495255? 

2)  The barrel address markings are not as indicated in the book by Pirkle.  Pirkle indicates that this rifle should have a type 2 address marking. Is this also an inaccuracy in the Pirkle book?  Is my address barrel marking “correct” for its S/N? (Picture below)

3) The barrel Model and Trade Mark markings are not as indicated by Pirkle.  Pirkle indicated that these markings should be type I.   I have included picture files of my barrel markings below.  Can someone confirm that these are correct for a 1948 1894 carbine?

4)  A previous owner of this carbine cut off the wood stock in order to add a thick recoil pad. (and quite ugly also)  Is there any suggestions where I might find a correct butt stock for this 1948 carbine?  I’m sure they are pretty scarce.  Is it acceptable and ethical to switch out this shortened butt stock with a correct butt stock from the same era?  Would this increase the value of the rifle?

Any help would be much appreciated.  

First, thanks for participating in the survey.

1.  Winchester ceased marking the upper tangs of the Model 94 on August 23, 1942.  None of the Post-WW II production Model 94 Carbines were stamped on the upper tang or drilled & tapped for a tang sight.  Pirkle/Madis – erroneous information.

2 & 3.  Pirkle’s published information is erroneous, and your Carbine is correctly marked.

4.  Actually, a butt stock for your Carbine is not really that scarce.  Any Model 94 butt stock manufactured in the years 1948 – 1963 will fit your gun.  Yes it is acceptable to replace it.  It is ethical as long as you pass that information on to a prospective owner.  Yes, it will increase the value.

Bert

  

Bert great information!