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At the risk of being a complete newbie and posting inappropriately, I do need a gunsmith to review (and adjust as necessary) my Model 94 before I fire it, seeing as it is a .30-30 from the first year of its making (I think). So if anyone has recommendations on a gunsmith in WA or OR, I would greatly appreciate a referral! I do want to take one deer if it is safe, then make it an heirloom.
Further, while I’m never going to part with it, valuation thoughts are appreciated!
In my other life as a classic camera photographer, we have “camera porn”. So with that in mind, here are some shots to help folks guide me on what I have here …
Winnie – Brad Cloven (smugmug.com)
I trust that link comes through and makes about 10 photos generally viewable. If not, I need a quick tutorial on how to post here.
Details:
Serial #37,814 (circa 1895?)
Full Octagonal 26″ barrel
Takedown (or so I’m told)
Full Length Tube
WCF (.30-30)
Great strong rifling is clearly visible, but there may be some pitting inside the barrel
Most everything else should be viewable in the pictures. Ask questions if I’ve failed to describe or photograph.
***
Thank you very much in advance!
Hello Brad,
The serial number positively IDs it as a March 1898 production rifle, and Yes, it is a Take Down. Unless there is something mechanically wrong with it, it does not appear to need anything other than a routine inspection and light cleaning & oiling. I am in Kingston, WA and capable of determining if it is in shooting condition.
In regards to the value, it would most likely sell for something in the $1,500 – $1,800 range.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Let Bert look at it. I do wonder about the rear sight though, specifically the elevator. It will function fine with the more modern elevator but it is not what came on it originally. If it makes a difference to you the elevator is not hard to find and isn’t a lot of $$.
I will have Bert take a look the next time I brave Seattle traffic to get up his way, and he is available. I’ll be sure he looks at it before I run any ammo through it.
What ammo should I be looking to acquire to ensure safety in an old gun and availability in these difficult times? I have heard that hotter modern loads might be unwise. What constitutes a good compromise between my deer hunting goal, testing at the range, and (effectively) a little plinking? I don’t want to stress out the gun, but I would like to take a deer to about 125 yards. I have a friendly deer who will wander to around 75 yards next fall if I play my cards right.
Brad,
You can avoid the Seattle traffic completely getting to Kingston (unless you live in the immediate Seattle area). Where are you located?
All modern 30-30 ammo is safe to shoot in your Model 1894. The factory loads it to the same pressure & velocity today as it did back in 1898.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
This looks like a great rifle to make a family heirloom. Not that I am against shooting it and take a deer with it – that would only add to it’s allure as a family heirloom. On the topic of sights, it does look like it had worn a tang sight for many years. I like tang sight and were it mine, I would probably find a vintage correct tang sight for it – particularly as it previously wore one.
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