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My grandfather recently passed down a Winchester Model 1894 rifle to me which had belonged to his father. I started looking into the history of this rifle and found this forum. I am hoping someone can help me confirm a few assumptions I have regarding this rifle. I have already requested the letter for this rifle from Cody Firearms.
The serial number for this particular rifle is 3698 which I understand means it was manufactured in 1894 or 1895. According to my grandfather, it has had work done on it over the years. I can see that the octagon barrel was tapered halfway down the barrel (which removed most of the word “Winchester” only the “er” remains). He also said that the magazine was shortened at some point (only extends about 1.5″ past the forend). The rifle was also rechambered from 32-40 to 32 Special. I believe the sights were also changed, the receiver has a Redfield sight and the original rear sight location has an insert with the text “Marble” on it. The front sight also says “Marble” and “29N”
I took the forend off today and on the underside of the barrel it is stamped with 32-40 and VP (in a oval). There is also a star and an “I” stamped on the barrel. On the receiver there is also an “I” stamped.
From what I have seen so far, I can’t find any indication that this is a nickel steel barrel. If it is not, it does make me wonder if it should have ever been rechambered to 32 Special and if it should ever shoot jacketed bullets. What are your thoughts?
I have only had this rifle for a couple of days but it has been fascinating looking into the history of this rifle. Is there anything else I should be looking at on this rifle to help me understand its age and/or history?
I am excited to see what thoughts you all have!
Thanks!
Zach
Zach,
The serial number tells us that it was manufactured in March 1895. Based on your description, it started out life as a standard Sporting Rifle with a full length (26″) octagon barrel and full length magazine tube. The barrels used for the 32-40 (and 38-55) were not Nickel Steel (instead, Winchester used what they referred to as “high strength” steel), and were not intended to shoot modern jacketed ammo. It is not unsafe to shoot the modern 32 Winchester Special ammo in it, but it will lead to faster than usual wear to the rifling. If you are only using it as a hunting rifle, it is unlikely that you will wear out the barrel.
In answer to your question(s), the CFM Factory letter will tell you precisely how old it is, and you know the history behind better than anyone else.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert,
Thank you very much for your response! Were all of the earlier 1894 rifles sporting rifles with full length octagon barrels and full length magazine tubes?
It is good to know that the modern 32 Special ammo would probably not be unsafe to use in the high strength (non nickel) steel.
I will definitely need to talk to my grandfather more about this rifle and see what he can remember.
Once I get the letter back from CFM I’ll post another update on what info it provides.
Zach,
No, not all early production Model 1894 Sporting rifles were manufactured with a 26-inch full length octagon barrel and magazine tube, but the vast majority of them were. In the early production years, the octagon barrels were a 3:1 ratio over round barrels (75% vs. 25%).
I will look forward to seeing the information on the CFM Factory letter.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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