Model 94 Mag plug “thru screws”|Winchester Rifles|Forum|Winchester Collector

Alaska94 said
Has anyone come across Type 2 barrels that have the recess for the magazine tube “through screws?”

I have a Model 94 26” Type 2 round barrel that came off of a receiver with s/n 254xxx (don’t know the full serial). The barrel has a recess near the muzzle to accommodate the through screw for the magazine plug screw.

Per Renneberg, Type 2 barrels were generally in use from s/n 100,000 to 300,000 but barrels with the recess for the through screw started around s/n 350,000.

I’m trying to understand the through screw recess on this Type 2 barrel. So far I’ve come up with:

1. Maybe the recess was added after market.

2. Maybe the barrel came off a later rifle than s/n 254xxx and was excess inventory installed on a rifle with a serial north of 350,000.

3. Maybe Renneberg was incorrect about when/what serial number Winchester started using the through screws and barrel recesses.

FWIW I did see a picture of the barrel attached to a receiver before I bought it. The receiver had a proof mark on it near the barrel. I believe Winchester started proof stamping receivers in 1905 or 1906 so this would be serial numbers 249,783-331,895.

So serials 100,000 to 300,000 for Type 2 barrels and a picture of the barrel attached to a receiver with a proof mark and reportedly in the 254000 serial range. To me all historically appropriate for a Type 2 barrel but in walks the recess hole that is throwing me off.

As always I appreciate the members input.

I high-lited the correct answer above.  Further, Winchester began Proof marking the barrels & receiver frames on the Model 1894s in April of the year 1905 in the 264000 s/n range, and it was fully in use by s/n 270700.  The highest serial number I have documented thus far without proof marks is 270212 (PR date 5/29/1905).

Bert

Alaska94 said
As always, thank you Bert. You have an absolutely incredible amount of knowledge.

Any idea when Winchester started using the magazine tubes and plugs with the long “through” screws? Maybe it’s a typo in Renneberg’s book and he meant 250,000 vice 350,000.

I ended up putting the barrel on my 1894 from 1903 with serial number 194,285. I’m trying to determine if the through screw is normal for this date and s/n.

Ultimately I’m documenting the restoration/rebuild of this rifle amd want to accurately capture what I’ve done.

I have not studied the pre-1907 Model 1894s nearly as much as the 1907 and later specimens.  Consequently, I do not know exactly when Winchester first began using the longer “through” tube screws, but I seem to recall that a 1901 production Model 1894 (s/n 118937) that I had in my collection had that style magazine and barrel.

Bert