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First Model 1894 (s/n 3,543) Rebuilt
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Alaska94
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June 26, 2025 - 1:28 pm
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Updated post to add a few pictures with better lighting.

Just an update on the subject Model 1894 that I have been rebuilding to match the factory letter. She’s all put back together. The gunsmith said there’s excessive headspace, so I’ve ordered an oversized locking bolt to hopefully address that issue; otherwise, it will have to be a wall hanger.

Here’s what I started with:

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Unsure how many of the parts were original, but I ended up replacing the hammer (tombstone design) with a first generation (widow’s peak design) and the rear sight with a sporting rear sight; that I believe is period appropriate. The mag tube got junked as it was clearly cut down and replaced with a full-length replica. The locking bolt has markings on it, which to me suggests it’s not original as I do not believe Winchester was putting makers, assemblers, fitters markings on parts in 1895. Either way it’s being replaced in attempt to address the headspace concerns. 

I did a light refinish on the stock and forearm as they were bought separately and didn’t match. The stock was the driver behind this as it had an orangish tone to it.

Before

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After

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I had Turnbull re-engrave the upper tang as it was completely sanded/buffed off. The end result is “ok.” In hindsight I should have listened to everyone here who said, “leave it alone.”

Before

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After

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Here’s the final result.

 

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Jeremy P
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June 26, 2025 - 3:11 pm
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I like it, nice work resurrecting it. I  don’t think the Turnbull work looks bad, it just looks out of place because of the lack of bluing and the darker/mismatched look that natural wear presents at the stamps….

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Alaska94
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September 9, 2025 - 5:06 pm
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Hi all,

As mentioned above I ordered the oversized locking bolt to hopefully address the headspace concerns. I finally got to installing it today and am having some fitment issues. With the new locking bolt installed, the action will not fully close. It gets close and then the locking bolt seems to get hung up on the bolt.

I’m guessing some polishing needs to be done at the top of the oversized locking bolt near where it meets up with the bolt. I’m hesitant to do this because I assume I would be polishing  away the “oversize.”

I know the right answer is to take it to a gunsmith; which I will probably do, but I’d like to understand the possible issue/fix so I can talk somewhat smartly.

Thanks for any counsel.

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