
My father is downsizing, and I’m storing some of his property until he gets resettled. One gun caught my eye, and I’ve been doing some research for the last few hours. This gun was his mother’s hunting rifle in Maine, back when he was a kid (now in his 80’s). He doesn’t know when she acquired the gun.
Here’s what I’ve been able to determine, after doing some reading. I’ve just gotten submitted to Cody for a factory letter.
Winchester 1894
Extra Lightweight Barrel
Non takedown
Half magazine
21.5″ barrel (22″ designation?)
Chambered 32-40
Crescent butt-plate
Crown is not blue-ed
S/N 73150
It’s not pristine, but there aren’t any gouges or chips. To my untrained eye, it doesn’t appear that anything’s been modified. I don’t have a borescope to know what the inside looks like. I hear it’s taken down many a deer, and a few moose.
I don’t know that he’s wanting to sell it… I think he was just going to give it to me eventually, but I’d like to make sure he’s well informed before he makes any decisions.
Any thoughts on it’s rarity or value?
Thanks for your time!
Hello Mark,
If it is a factory original ELW Rifle, it is rare because of the cartridge it is chambered for. The vast majority of the ELW Model 1894 Rifles were made in 30 WCF and with a much smaller number made in 25-35 WCF and 38-55. Of the (90) ELW rifles I have documented thus far in my research survey, just (2) of them are 32-40s. As for the value, I will need to see several clear detailed pictures of it. You can send them to me at [email protected]
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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