Thanks Bert, I like it. I think we can tell by the list who is the most obsessed with the research. But seriously, thanks for all the work you do for the benefit of all of us. I think these surveys are very useful in proving production changes and trends along with showing a good representation of the existing examples still out there for us to search for.

Hello,

Just so the other collectors out there will know.  Your rifle does not need to be a “one of a thousand.”  It does not need to be in +90% condition.  It does not necessarily need to be all original!!  OMG!  Really??  Just pass on what you have and let us pick and choose what is pertinent to the work we do.  These projects are only going to be successful with the help of all of you expanding our reach to the THOUSANDS of guns out there to sample.

Thanks for your help

Michael, and the others

Thanks to everyone who is helping contribute to the surveys. I currently have 252 1894/94 short rifles in my survey and am hoping to find more this weekend in Cody. I hope to see some of you there.

Don Snell said
I apologize for this question.  Being new to the association and to Winchester collecting.  The purpose of the surveys is to find and catalog as many Winchester serial numbers within the particular model?  I realize this is a newbie question, so bear with me, I’d like to know.  

Hello Don,

Since Winchester did not produce detailed reference books or guidelines for each model which detail the variations out there and when changes were made in the production, it is almost impossible to know what a gun “should look like” for a specific serial number range.  By accumulating information on several thousands rifles or shotguns and noting the SN and various details it is then able to produce a timeline for any researched gun and describe what the “most likely” characteristics are within a specific time frame of production.  BUT, one does have to keep in mind that Winchester did not practice a strict  “first in – first out” manner of production for the various components of the different Models.  There are often times large transition periods where one detail is eventually replaced or changed.  The various really good reference books on various Models are all a result of surveyed guns and the interpretation of the collected data from those surveys.

Michael

Brad

Thanks for continuing to promote everyone’s research by advertising it in the Collector. I am still logging 1894 short rifles, although not as aggressively as some of the other surveyors. I have about 375 logged and continue to learn things as I go. I’m sure I could find a lot more if I searched auction sites non-stop but I just add them as I come across them at shows or as I am shopping the internet. Bert sends me some links now and again, which is appreciated.

Looking forward to getting caught up with you at Cody, my friend.

Hello Brad,

Please continue the list and my two ongoing surveys of the Model 1892 and Model 61 rifles.  People can contact me directly via email at:  [email protected]

Michael