Bert, first off I hope you are doing well. I was wondering if you knew from your data what the percentage is for Model 1894 rifles with half octagon barrels. I don’t know why, but I find this option particularly pleasing, aesthetically. The gun also seems to balance better when shooting offhand.
Based on my online shopping the rate would be about 10%, however, I have been admiring Winchester 1894 rifles for years in local gun shops and shows and have only seen one or two, other than the one I currently own.
Mark,
I do not know what the production statistics were for serial numbers 1- 353999, and it was not included in the ARMAX survey.
That stated, my research survey for serial numbers 354000 – 1012753 (the end of the year 1927) currently indicates that 11.43% of the rifles were manufactured with a half-octagon barrel. Interestingly, Winchester apparently began a parts clean-up of half-octagon barrels still on hand in the year 1930. For that specific year, I have surveyed a total of (54) Rifles, of which (21) are half-octagon barrels (38.9%). All (21) of the 1930 rifles with a half-octagon barrel are in the 1061800 – 1070000 serial number range.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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