I was looking at this vintage 1894 from 1903 (s/n: 198,657) on GunBroker (https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1090409177). I really enjoy cleaning these old guys up, so at the right price point, this was interesting to me as my next project. I now suspect this guy is a Frankenchester and am posting because this is somewhat related to my other post on the Swap Meet page (https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-swap-meet/wtb-spring-for-38-55-cartridge-guide/) where a discussion ensued about the spring and carrier on .38-55’s.

In looking at the GunBroker listing, picture 27 was my clue that this rifle was likely not born as a .30-30. If you inspect the left side of the carrier in this picture you can see how the carrier has a curved cutout towards the front. This suggests it is a carrier for a .38-55 where that curved cutout is necessary to clear the spring that is present in the left cartridge guide. I messaged the seller and asked if the left cartridge guide had a spring, or if no spring, was there a rectangular cutout. He confirmed no spring, but definitely the rectangular cutout (where the spring should be).

It’s my understanding that this cartridge guide, spring, and carrier with curved cutout are unique to 94’s chambered for .38-55. So, I would assess that either someone changed out one or both cartridge guides and the carrier OR more than likely they slapped a new barrel on this receiver that does not match the factory configuration. Here’s what the spring in the left cartridge guide looks like if you’re unfamiliar.

I would be willing to bet that if someone looked this serial number up, they would find it was originally a .38-55. It would be also interesting to know if it was an octagonal or round barrel as this would indicate whether or not the forearm was also swapped out.