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October 3, 2016
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Hello, I recently got into lever guns and went out looking for a post 64 model 94 project gun. I ended up finding a 1907?? model 94 for $380 at the local pistol range and tacti-gun store. I didn’t realize how old it was or what I had until I got to the car and looked up the serial #. A gun of this era is a little beyond me and from my limited research this seems to be the place with the experts. I’m hoping you guys can take a look and tell me a little more about what I have and what’s right/wrong about it. So a little about the gun; it’s a 20″ barrel 30 WCF, everything seems there though not all original. The stock is buggered up and not original but the for-end looks like it could be, there’s a strange circle on the side where I believe a saddle ring would be if it were to have had one. Could this be some sort of factory delete? Is it normal or am I way off base? It looks like one of the tang screws has been replaced and I don’t really know what to make of the front sight. When cycling the gun it requires a little bit of extra force to get the shell carrier to raise and to get the ejector over the cartridge in the chamber. Is this normal? I read that maybe a new carrier spring could resolve the first problem. Are there things I can do to improve the action in these areas? My tentative plan is to not make any permanent changes of course but to clean it, replace the stock and for-end, and any internals if necessary to fix the aforementioned action issues. Would doing these things be wise? Like I said, I’m a bit over my head with this one and any help you can give me would be much appreciated. I’ve never really been a Winchester guy but I really love this thing and think that might change. Thanks again, Jordan
April 15, 2005
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Jordan,
Your Winchester Model 1894 was manufactured in the year 1910, and it originally was a Saddle Ring Carbine. Neither of the stocks is original, and both the front and rear sights have been replaced. Somebody (not Winchester) removed the saddle ring, and then ground/filed the stud nearly flush to the receiver frame. In my opinion, you paid slightly too much for it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
May 2, 2009
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Jordan,
Welcome to the forum. The good news is it can be fixed. Sights and wood can be replaced with original but you are now putting more money into it. The saddle ring stud can be replaced but that takes a little more mechanical know how or a gunsmith. I believe they were peened in like a rivet would be put in.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
September 22, 2011
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This one is simply not worth “investing” any money into. I would “guess” it is worth “maybe” $250 +/- $50. Best to part this one out as the sum of the parts are worth more than the whole, in this case.
October 3, 2016
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Thanks for your responses, like I said I went out looking for a project I’m glad to hear I don’t have to feel guilty about tinkering with it. While it sounds like a bit of a PITA any more info or a recommendation on how to remove what’s left of and replace the saddle ring? I’m pretty handy with stuff like that.
March 23, 2010
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Best of luck to you with your project rifle.It would appear you have found just about the perfect rifle to enjoy working on.Be sure to keep us posted on what you do in the future.
May 2, 2009
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Jordan,
I have never attempted to replace a saddle ring stud. I know the staple types are peened in but after looking at pictures of the later stud type they look to be threaded in. I would remover the stock and hammer and look inside to see if it was threaded in. Even if its was threaded in it could of been peened to lock it in. There are others on this site that might have a better idea whats involved.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
March 20, 2010
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The 1894 saddle ring studs are threaded. Biggest problem is that your going to have to use pliers or similar tool to take a bite to unthread and not scratch the receiver frame. The other option is to drill it out, clean the threads and then thread your new saddle ring in there. A forearm and buttstock with buttplate is going to run you about $275-325 for better wood. An original rear sight will run about $150-180, front sight about $25-35, and saddle ring about $35-40.
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
April 15, 2005
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It would be wiser to have a screwdriver slot cut into the face of the stud, then simply unscrew it . That stated, I too would not be inclined to put more $$$ into that particular Model 1894. It simply needs to many different pieces and parts to make it correct again, and the cost is going to far outweigh the end value of the gun. Standard Model 1894 SRCs are simply way too common.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
October 3, 2016
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That’s a great idea to make a slot, thanks! I can’t deny I’m a little disappointed but I’m glad to have found this resource and appreciate your honesty. While I now harbor no illusions about its value or rarity I can’t help but want to fix it up. I’m having fun just thinking about what I’m going do to make it closer to original and more enjoyable to own.
November 7, 2015
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It’s a little rougher than I like but if it’s action can be repaired and the bore is good it could make a good shooter. No doubt about it, she’s got character.
