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January 2, 2026
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Hi everyone!
I’m brand new to the forum and glad to be here! I have a .38-55 1894 where the serial number places its manufacture date to 1900. The rifle is a little rough around the edges but I wanted to give it a decent clean on the internals but the screws appear to be near stripped and I do not want to risk it. I’ve oiled and wiped as best as I can down the barrel and in the action with CLP and Hoppes no.9. I am wondering if it is worth it to attempt to strip the rifle to clean it better or if I should just leave it as it is.
Similarly, the patina is significant on the receiver. Based on the condition of the rifle overall, would you guys consider this a shooter?
April 15, 2005
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I would leave it as is.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 30, 2023
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Yep, seen much worse, definitely a “shooter grade” though….unless you have experience, I’d just get some oil down in there on some of the contact points and run it a bit. Doesn’t look that bad honestly.
November 7, 2015
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Bore condition will be the deciding factor. Won’t hurt to invest a little time to clean it up and take a look.
Mike
December 9, 2002
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I agree with the comments above. There’s no need to strip it down.
With a nylon bristle brush, and even a few different size and styles, you can carefully do a light clean up with some cleans-oil, or similar. Don’t soak the wood with oil of any kind, as it can do more damage than good. Renaissance Wax will take care of the wood, which is used by many here. The patina on you’re rifle gives it the character it deserves, and earned, being 125 years old!
Many of us collectors would like to see you keep the rifle just like it is.
I was wondering if you inherited the rifle?
From the picture, the bore looks decent enough to shoot.
Thanks for sharing! 
Anthony
January 2, 2026
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I actually bought it from a farmer here in Alberta, Canada.
I’ve checked the bore and got some better pictures, it appears there might be damage to the rifling. Two straight lines run down the barrel against the rifling, hard to see on the pictures but much more stark when looking down. Either way, here’s some more pictures of the bore, the lines are faint but you can see them the best in the last two images.
November 9, 2008
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The bore looks pretty good and I would shoot it
November 7, 2015
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If you’re looking for a shooter I’d say you found one. As long as it’s safe mechanically I’d shoot it. I’ve had worse bores shoot just fine.
Mike
