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I have an opportunity to purchase a 1894 src in38-55. As i am not a follower of these, I am wondering about the rarity of them. Any info or opinions would be helpful.
November 7, 2015
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I don’t see many but I scored one with lots of character from a couple of characters at the 2021 Cody show. What vintage is the one you’re considering? The few I see have seen a lot of hard use.
Mike
oldcrankyyankee said
I have an opportunity to purchase a 1894 src in38-55. As i am not a follower of these, I am wondering about the rarity of them. Any info or opinions would be helpful.
They are much more common than most Winchester dealers make them out to be. In my research survey I have (248) of them documented (in the 354000 – 1079689 S/N range). What is rare is a Trapper SRC in 38-55 (just (1) documented thus far). While a 38-55 SRC is not rare gun (or even uncommon), they are still very desirable in the collector market.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
oldcrankyyankee said
I have an opportunity to purchase a 1894 src in38-55. As i am not a follower of these, I am wondering about the rarity of them. Any info or opinions would be helpful.
They are much more common than most Winchester dealers make them out to be. In my research survey I have (248) of them documented (in the 354000 – 1079689 S/N range). What is rare is a Trapper SRC in 38-55 (just (1) documented thus far). While a 38-55 SRC is not rare gun (or even uncommon), they are still very desirable in the collector market.
Bert
No doubt, the most desired caliber for collectors. When you have an “opportunity to purchase”, ask yourself why you might want to buy it and what your long term intentions for the gun may be. Are you just looking for any 94 carbine, is the caliber really that important and what kind of impact will originality and condition of the gun have? Everyone has their own desires and budgets. In my opinion, if you are really a collector, you will consider originality and condition as part of your decision. By posting a few good photos of the gun on this site you can get honest opinions from guys that are knowledgeable and have devoted a good part of their life to these old Winchesters. If the gun is not right you will generally end up feeling like you made a big mistake. It is usually easier to buy a gun than it is to sell one. Your post implies you have an affinity for rarity – get a 94 carbine that is original, correct and with condition – then you will have bought a rare gun.
They are much more common than most Winchester dealers make them out to be.Bert H. said
Dealer hyperbole? I’m shocked.
clarence said
They are much more common than most Winchester dealers make them out to be.Bert H. said
Dealer hyperbole? I’m shocked.
Yes they are – go to the Colorado Gun Collectors show held in May and you will see lot of them – I mean lots of them! Just the opposite for Model 1892 carbines – they are hard to find, especially when original and correct.
Online
When I see a 1894 carbine in nice condition on a table, I stop and look hoping it’s a 38/55. It’s the most desired caliber. T/R
Probably are the most desirable to most but a SRC MODEL 1894 in .32/40 is a lot tougher to find I think.
Don’t forget the 25-35. The early carbines are hard to find. Pic of late 38-55. Big Larry
mike webb said
Probably are the most desirable to most but a SRC MODEL 1894 in .32/40 is a lot tougher to find I think.
Not really, but the 32-40 is the least common caliber for the SRCs. I just crunched all of the numbers in my research survey document, and the Model 1894 SRC caliber ratios are as shown below;
| Model 1894 Surveyed SRC Caliber Production S/N range 354000 – 1079689 | ||
| Caliber | Quantity | Percent |
| 30 WCF | 2,908 | 65.11% |
| 32 WS | 684 | 15.32% |
| 25-35 WCF | 421 | 9.43% |
| 38-55 | 248 | 5.55% |
| 32-40 | 205 | 4.59% |
| Total | 4,466 | |
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
According to the Oswalt and Hawk research the Model 1894 was first introduced in the 38/55 followed by the 32/40. The first carbine produced in 38/55 by date was one year before the 32/40 carbine.
Today when selling 73s, 76s, 86s, 92s, 94s, the largest caliber in these models almost always is the easiest to sell. The 38/55 has the biggest hole in 1894 barrels. A high quality, original, antique 1894 carbine in 38/55 is hard to find and easy to sell. T/R
Not antique but 1916 vintage part round bbl. in 38-55. sat in the warehouse for over 7 years. Big Larry
I agree with Mike, the .32-40 is much harder to find in decent condition, but at the same time, I think the .38-55 is more sought after. I have had several pretty nice early carbines in this caliber, but none of them had a very good bore. The one I have now, is a beautiful SRC, with factory sling eyes. It is a late gun (1928) and it has a nickel steel barrel with a perfect bore. The walnut stock and forend are fabulous, with exceptional grain and color. Boy, is it a great shooter.
Burt Humphrey said
clarence said
They are much more common than most Winchester dealers make them out to be.Bert H. said
Dealer hyperbole? I’m shocked.
Yes they are – go to the Colorado Gun Collectors show held in May and you will see lot of them – I mean lots of them! Just the opposite for Model 1892 carbines – they are hard to find, especially when original and correct.
proberly beacause most 92s came downunder, thats all we seem to find out hear
I’ve had this 32-40 for many years and looking for a 38-55 in similar condition , they are difficult to come by
The 25-35 is a hard find
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
In reply to Mr. Humphery, yes I care about rarity and condition. So to add to this, this carbine is a 1904 manufacture and in a very good condition. Some wear at the forward point of the receiver and at the muzzle and front barrel band indicating it spent some time in a scabbard, but over all quite nice. problem I see is the rear sight has been removed and a Lyman tang installed. Asking $2750. Sorry I am having trouble from my end on posting pictures. But it looks “right”. also a available is a 94 carbine of the same vintage that has correct sights , but in 30wcf, same condition, same $$$. wish I could post pictures.Whch one is better? Thanks for looking.
Henry Mero said
I’ve had this 32-40 for many years and looking for a 38-55 in similar condition , they are difficult to come by
Just a quick question, in the picture of the chambering, what is the upside down 32 followed by another make of some kind. What are these markings?
oldcrankyyankee said
problem I see is the rear sight has been removed and a Lyman tang installed. Asking $2750. Sorry I am having trouble from my end on posting pictures. But it looks “right”. also a available is a 94 carbine of the same vintage that has correct sights , but in 30wcf, same condition, same $$$. wish I could post pictures.Whch one is better? Thanks for looking.
The 38-55 would be my choice. As long as the carbine has no extra holes drilled sights can be changed. T/R
I have one made in 1897, bought it at a gun show near 30 years ago, before I knew anything about the 94’a. Was told at the time of purchase that it was rebarreled, and has a nickel steel barrel. It has a horrendous trigger pull, and I put on a semi-buckhorn sight. It is accurate tho.
oldcrankyyankee said
In reply to Mr. Humphery, yes I care about rarity and condition. So to add to this, this carbine is a 1904 manufacture and in a very good condition. Some wear at the forward point of the receiver and at the muzzle and front barrel band indicating it spent some time in a scabbard, but over all quite nice. problem I see is the rear sight has been removed and a Lyman tang installed. Asking $2750. Sorry I am having trouble from my end on posting pictures. But it looks “right”. also a available is a 94 carbine of the same vintage that has correct sights , but in 30wcf, same condition, same $$$. wish I could post pictures.Whch one is better? Thanks for looking.
I would definitely go for the .38-55 SRC as well. Maybe the seller would take $2500?
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