TXGunNut said

Wow, Mark! You seek opinions and then discard the ones you disagree with. Why bother, just save us the keystrokes. It seems the only answer can be reached with a careful hands-on examination. It’s possible there is a lot to be learned from this gun, if you will keep an open mind. 

 

Mike  

Mike,

I did not discard any opinions. It started as a yes or no question, Has anyone ever seen one like this. The “expert” came out and said there is/was a hole that had been plugged. He assured me, he was positive, there was a hole. Even though others stated not seeing a hole the expert never did change his mind as mine is no exception to all the others he has seen.

Again, I did not ask if anyone could see evidence of a hole. As you mentioned hands on examination (I have the gun in my hands) is the only way. Thank you for your input. I value all input from everyone.

I was good with ending the thread but since it is still here I just wanted to say that I sent the gun to Wild West Guns in Anchorage, AK.  Got a call today that the smith was able to drill the finger lever pin from the left side (no hole in the receiver) through the plug screw hole, tap the pin and get it out by threading a screw into the pin.  The smith confirmed there was never a hole in the receiver.  Going to be a couple of weeks for a new firing pin.  If this post is still around I will add some more pictures when I get the gun back.  If anybody hears of a 1894 devoid of the pin hole please let me know.  Thanks again,

Mark