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September 21, 2016
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Traveling home from work I got a message from a local gun shop. An older gentleman was there trying to sell an early 1894 in 38-55. Purportedly with a factory 21” barrel.
I knew there weren’t many 94s in the letter-able range at 21”, but couldn’t remember how many.
I stopped by and overall it seemed in decent original condition. Octagon barrel. 1/2 mag. Original finish, maybe 65-70%.
I asked for a tape measure and the barrel measured a perfect 21”… from the receiver to muzzle! A cleaning rod measurement from muzzle to closed action was closer to 21 3/4”.
Great bore, smooth action. But the seller wanted unmodified prices, so I passed.
Luckily, optimism is free.
December 21, 2006
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According to the Armax study there were 4, 21″ rifle letterable in the 1894 model, so ya’ that would have been quite a find.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
April 15, 2005
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jsgwoodsman said
Traveling home from work I got a message from a local gun shop. An older gentleman was there trying to sell an early 1894 in 38-55. Purportedly with a factory 21” barrel.
I knew there weren’t many 94s in the letter-able range at 21”, but couldn’t remember how many.
I stopped by and overall it seemed in decent original condition. Octagon barrel. 1/2 mag. Original finish, maybe 65-70%.
I asked for a tape measure and the barrel measured a perfect 21”… from the receiver to muzzle! A cleaning rod measurement from muzzle to closed action was closer to 21 3/4”.
Great bore, smooth action. But the seller wanted unmodified prices, so I passed.
Luckily, optimism is free.
The barrel is not 21″… instead, it is 21.75″ and as such it has positively been cut down. It is good thing that you passed on it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
August 27, 2014
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One of my tells on determining if the barrel has been cut on a Sporting rifle from this era is an examination of the muzzle, it should be flat, in the white and have a slight to moderate chamfer at the bore entrance…Bert’s ‘Tips on buying an old Winchester’
“If you can’t convince them, confuse them”
President Harry S. Truman
September 21, 2016
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The muzzle looked good at first glance- flat and in the white with appropriate patina- but there was no chamfer at the bore entrance. I didn’t have calipers and didn’t bother trying to measure the width of the muzzle but it appeared wider than I’d have expected.
After offering these observations – the gun soon left the shop.
Thanks for the feedback gentleman
