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December 21, 2006
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Have a look at the ’94 on G.I. item #101808736 from B.C.Kinsey I don’t recall ever seeing one letter as “medium Light” .
Winchester 1894 TD .30-30 with factory options for sale (gunsinternational.com)
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
January 26, 2011
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I’ve not seen that description in a letter either. Unfortunately, it’s got a much later post-1918 barrel on it, (possibly from a Model 64 as restamped to 94), so we won’t know what the original barrel profile looked like. Interesting, none the less.
~Gary~
April 15, 2005
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The barrel is positively a remarked Model 64 barrel, which puts it manufacture date no earlier than 1933. The front sight ramp, and the “PROOF STEEL” marking on the barrel are dead giveaways.
Based on the appearance of that rifle, somebody intentionally reworked it in an attempt to make it match the factory letter. Speaking of the CFM letter, I suspect that it too is not 100% legitimate either. Winchester (to the best of my knowledge) never used the term “medium light”.
I personally would not give this rifle a second look.
Bert – a.k.a. Krampus
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
January 26, 2011
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Bert,
The only thing that just dawned on me is the lack of a dovetail for the M64 mag hanger …. if we are using that theory. Either way, my first thoughts were a 64 barrel, mainly because of the long ramp style and questionable model marking.
I suppose the medium light note could be legit, as this was very early on when the ELW’s came out. If it had the original barrel, it would be interesting to see if it had mid-weight barrel somewhere between standard and extra light. With the existing put-together configuration, we will never know.
~Gary~
April 15, 2005
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Gary,
The “Proof Steel” marking on the barrel is the primary clue as to its origin… Winchester did not begin using that alloy for their barrels until May, 1932. The address, model, and caliber marking on that barrel are identical to the early production Model 64 barrels (see the attached pictures).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 30, 2006
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Also note the star stamp on the takedown flange.
Merry, Merry, Merry
B
December 21, 2006
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I sure would like to have seen it before the modifications, (bbl. replacement). The letter shows remnants of the Cody seal and Jessie’s signature. I had that extra heavy barrelled ’94, 1 of, and have no doubt they would have made something in between an extra light and regular weight bbl., on special order, how ever , like was said I guess We’ll never know , unless another one shows up.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
January 26, 2011
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bobr94 said
Also note the star stamp on the takedown flange.
Merry, Merry, Merry
B
Bob,
What’s the significance if the star markings? Any insight?
~Gary~
April 30, 2006
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pdog
Star stamps usually denote after-sale factory rework or refinish. There are other marks used as well, particularly by other manufacturers. Since the letter has two RR notations it would make some sense. As to exactly what was done on the R&Rs we’ll never know. The proofed receiver stamping was probably done at the time of a third and unrecorded R&R to match the 1932 or later barrel. It may have been done at the time of the 1908 R&R when proofmarks were still rather new, but that too, we’ll never know. We do know that the barrel is much later than the 1908 R&R.
B
February 18, 2011
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Just catching up here and well… This subject rifle here is pretty durn important to me! Finally a 1894 that even “I” can see is a tilt. 🙂 I’d have noted that early thirties barrel ramp style. Also as noted, the nomenclature referring to “Proof Steel”, as soon as looking more closely. So much of the ‘forensic quality’ assessments here, simply leave me in awe! Nice to be able to flirt with a small gold star here once in a while. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Part of tilt recognition also in fact of my own Extra Lightweight Win 94, a few pix below w/focus on portion & locale of nomenclature as well as era ramp as noted. My rifle in pix is one of those “so pretty in the dark”, specimens! Refinished and various small flaws but even “skin deep” she works for me with truly other era “small investment!” The SN is 440107 & I’ve always noted vintage as about 1903. Now sounds like possibly a child of the twenties? Opines???
Here’s an older ELT rifle profile I’ve had in file for some years. Good info & eye candy! https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/1894-lightweight-rifles/
Happy & Blessed New Year to All!
John
April 15, 2005
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John,
Model 1894 S/N 440107 was manufactured in September, 1909. It appears to have all the correct “period” factory markings. What is the barrel lenght? Many of the Model 1894 ELWs were made with a 22″ or 24″ barrel.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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