November 7, 2015

Thanks for posting, Daniel. I love a gun with character! I’ve learned to stay away from beaters so I’ll enjoy the bottom carbine from afar. I believe frontier gunsmithing is part of the story of Winchesters but this old warrior missed the Old West as we know it. It came along in plenty of time to bounce around in the back of a ranch wagon or take part in the Prohibition struggles. May never interest a serious collector but I can’t help but look and wonder.
Mike
TXGunNut said
Thanks for posting, Daniel. I love a gun with character! I’ve learned to stay away from beaters so I’ll enjoy the bottom carbine from afar. I believe frontier gunsmithing is part of the story of Winchesters but this old warrior missed the Old West as we know it. It came along in plenty of time to bounce around in the back of a ranch wagon or take part in the Prohibition struggles. May never interest a serious collector but I can’t help but look and wonder.
Mike
You often hear collectors say “if only the gun could talk”. These 94’s certainly have had some miles put on them. In stark contrast, here are members of the 94 family – all in pristine condition – one can only speculate as to why they had such limited use. Top is Model 1894 in 32-40 – middle is Model 55 in 30 WCF and bottom is Model 64 in 219 Zipper.
Nice Winchesters Burt. I like many others love a “Deluxe” Winchester, especially a ’94. However, it has been My observation over the years, it is a lot easier to find a “deluxe” vintage gun in High original condition, than it is to find a “standard” rifle, or harder still, a standard s.r.c., in High condition. Most of the deluxe guns were expensive, some special ordered, and when they got used they would be wiped down, oiled and properly stored. In contrast, a standard gun got used , carried for many miles through brush or in a saddle scabbord, maybe cleaned and oiled then propped behind the woodshed door. Of course there are exceptions, I have a couple very poor condition “deluxe” Winchesters and a couple high condition “standard” Winchesters.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
Henry Mero said
However, it has been My observation over the years, it is a lot easier to find a “deluxe” vintage gun in High original condition, than it is to find a “standard” rifle, or harder still, a standard s.r.c., in High condition. Most of the deluxe guns were expensive, some special ordered, and when they got used they would be wiped down, oiled and properly stored. In contrast, a standard gun got used , carried for many miles through brush or in a saddle scabbard, maybe cleaned and oiled then propped behind the woodshed door. Of course there are exceptions, I have a couple very poor condition “deluxe” Winchesters and a couple high condition “standard” Winchesters.
You are absolutely correct Henry. I looked long and hard for a model 1894 rifle in any configuration (deluxe or standard) chambered in 25-35 WCF to fill a void in my collection. Oddly (or luckily) enough, I came across this one. It is a standard “plain-Jane” but in impeccable condition and is now among the highest condition in my collection. Trying to find a nice bore in 25 caliber is even a tougher challenge. Bore on this one is just as nice as the outside–like new.
Don
deerhunter said
Henry Mero said
However, it has been My observation over the years, it is a lot easier to find a “deluxe” vintage gun in High original condition, than it is to find a “standard” rifle, or harder still, a standard s.r.c., in High condition. Most of the deluxe guns were expensive, some special ordered, and when they got used they would be wiped down, oiled and properly stored. In contrast, a standard gun got used , carried for many miles through brush or in a saddle scabbard, maybe cleaned and oiled then propped behind the woodshed door. Of course there are exceptions, I have a couple very poor condition “deluxe” Winchesters and a couple high condition “standard” Winchesters.
You are absolutely correct Henry. I looked long and hard for a model 1894 rifle in any configuration (deluxe or standard) chambered in 25-35 WCF to fill a void in my collection. Oddly (or luckily) enough, I came across this one. It is a standard “plain-Jane” but in impeccable condition and is now among the highest condition in my collection. Trying to find a nice bore in 25 caliber is even a tougher challenge. Bore on this one is just as nice as the outside–like new.
Don
Nice standard grade 94 Don – you and Henry are correct about the difficulty of finding nice standard grade 94’s – seems like I just saw an ad here on the Forum for someone looking for a nice 38-55 carbine – something like this.
Burt Humphrey said
deerhunter said
Henry Mero said
However, it has been My observation over the years, it is a lot easier to find a “deluxe” vintage gun in High original condition, than it is to find a “standard” rifle, or harder still, a standard s.r.c., in High condition. Most of the deluxe guns were expensive, some special ordered, and when they got used they would be wiped down, oiled and properly stored. In contrast, a standard gun got used , carried for many miles through brush or in a saddle scabbard, maybe cleaned and oiled then propped behind the woodshed door. Of course there are exceptions, I have a couple very poor condition “deluxe” Winchesters and a couple high condition “standard” Winchesters.
You are absolutely correct Henry. I looked long and hard for a model 1894 rifle in any configuration (deluxe or standard) chambered in 25-35 WCF to fill a void in my collection. Oddly (or luckily) enough, I came across this one. It is a standard “plain-Jane” but in impeccable condition and is now among the highest condition in my collection. Trying to find a nice bore in 25 caliber is even a tougher challenge. Bore on this one is just as nice as the outside–like new.
Don
Nice standard grade 94 Don – you and Henry are correct about the difficulty of finding nice standard grade 94’s – seems like I just saw an ad here on the Forum for someone looking for a nice 38-55 carbine – something like this.
The really hard one to find with condition is a 92 carbine in 44 caliber – especially difficult with special order features (pistol gip & rifle butt) like this one – the price for them has gone thru the roof. Many years ago Don Grove and I shared a 12 pack of beer at his home in Cannon Beach before settling on a price of $3650.00 for this SRC – now I see Merz has one not as good for over $20k. Those of you who tucked away good guns over the years will be rewarded!
Beautiful carbine Burt, love the pistol grip on a carbine. Pretty awesome return on investment as well. Guns of this caliber are being sucked into collections and never to be seen again or at least, as the saying goes, “until death do us part.” Funny thing is you and I bought from the same source. Don Grove offered some beautiful guns over the years, but just like with anything, do your homework and know what you are buying. Don’s prices were up there, but you’ll look long and hard to find another.
Don
deerhunter said
Beautiful carbine Burt, love the pistol grip on a carbine. Pretty awesome return on investment as well. Guns of this caliber are being sucked into collections and never to be seen again or at least, as the saying goes, “until death do us part.” Funny thing is you and I bought from the same source. Don Grove offered some beautiful guns over the years, but just like with anything, do your homework and know what you are buying. Don’s prices were up there, but you’ll look long and hard to find another.Don
Don – here is another Don Grove gun – Model 64 with a 20 inch barrel – original and correct – 32 WS – it is a really nice example – bought it the same night I bought the 92 SRC – was a long, long time ago.
deerhunter said
Another beautiful carbine Burt. You have good taste. Here’s two more I bought from Don. Just a few months before he passed away and that was the last time I saw him. Was at the 2023 Oregon Arms Collectors 2-day show.
High condition and special guns for sure – don’t know if I have ever seen a deluxe 94 with a takedown frame, 3/4 magazine and 22″ barrel. You don’t see many 95’s discussed here on the Forum – especially in the condition of the one above.
That’s sure a sweet 1895 Burt. Love the caliber too. I don’t think the 1895’s get quite the attention they deserve. My primary focus has been the model 1894, particularly those with special order features. I have a passion for the 1894 extra-lights and shorties. But recently, a couple 1895’s snuck in–like Tim says “they’re like a fungus, they grow on you.” I only have one other and it’s a flat-side in 38-72. Found an interesting factory cartridge gauge to go along with it too:
Here’s another one of my favorites, you surely don’t see everyday:
Daniel F said
Man fellas those some beautiful firearms I hope to add some nicer ones like those to my collection one day. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Daniel. I’ve had this disease going on 30 years now and it just keeps getting worse (so my wife says). Like many of us, I made a lot of mistakes along the way and pretty much culled those out of my collection through trades, etc. You have a very nice start, but be careful out there–it’s a slippery slope for sure!! My advice to you is to build a good reference library, study up, and befriend a seasoned collector for advice, or at the very least, lurk around here and learn as much as you can from the many experts on this forum.
Don
It seems this thread has devolved into a model 1895 showcase. I’ll add mine to the presentation. From top to bottom:
35 WCF take down
30 US MOD 1906 take down
405 WCF
303 Carbine
All have been used to fell a bull moose or two here in Alaska. I do like the Lyman 21 sight. A sane person doesn’t take the 405 out for casual shooting as that crescent buttplate needs to be shouldered just so.
Nice group of 1895’s and a great mix of calibers and condition! I agree, the functionality and aesthetics of the Lyman 21 can’t be beat on the 1895. They were literally made for each other. I’ve experienced the thump of a crescent butt 1895 in 35 WCF and imagine the 405 WCF has a whole new level of “ouch” factor. Good thing you wear heavy coats there in Alaska! Have always wanted a nice 405 with condition to add to my collection, but they have eluded me thus far. Very cool that you actively hunt with them too! Have any photos of your kills?
Thanks for sharing!
Don
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