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Hi all, want to pick your collective brains on this 1901 (207xxx) model 1894. I’ve been lurking here and learning about the older guns and unexpectedly inherited this neglected rifle from a friend who passed away. Looks to have had the barrel shortened among other “enhancements.” 
Distance from muzzle to front of front sight dovetail is just over 3/8″ for perspective. Scratches make it look like they struggled with that sight. Bore is filthy (haven’t had a chance to clean it up yet).
I’d appreciate any insights into how this rifle was when it came from the factory. Also, it seems like a large number of these rifles are “modified.” Seems odd to me, but I’m guessing the purpose was to suit the user.
thanks in advance, Suli
(Can’t share photos, maybe because I’m a guest – is a Google photos album link OK?)
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Hello,
Model 1894 s/n 207000 was manufactured in January 1904.
You can post the URL to a photo album on a host website. That stated, Google usually requires a Login & password.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks Bert, I used the table in the (Madis) Wnchester Book, a signed copy of which came with the gun. I probably looked at it cross-eyed.
This album should be visible to all with the share link:
Suli said
Thanks Bert, I used the table in the (Madis) Wnchester Book, a signed copy of which came with the gun. I probably looked at it cross-eyed.This album should be visible to all with the share link:
Unfortunately, the information published by Madis is grossly inaccurate for many of the Winchester models.
The pictures show that your Model 1894 is a standard Sporting Rifle that was originally manufactured with a 26-inch barrel and full length magazine tube. Somebody cut down the barrel and magazine tube, and then milled a new front sight dovetail in the wrong location. The stocks have been sanded and refinished as well.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert: thanks for the info! I highly doubt my friend had the work done as he was more in love with the West than firearms per se.
As sad as it is that it was redone, it will make it easier fro me to shoot it with a clear conscience. Looking at the pics in Madis, I’m guessing they wanted to transform it into a short rifle (barrel measures 20″ and change) with octagaon barrel.
Do you think the work will affect how it shoots (other than the physics of a shorter barrel)?
again, thanks. Suli
Suli said
Bert: thanks for the info! I highly doubt my friend had the work done as he was more in love with the West than firearms per se.As sad as it is that it was redone, it will make it easier fro me to shoot it with a clear conscience. Looking at the pics in Madis, I’m guessing they wanted to transform it into a short rifle (barrel measures 20″ and change) with octagaon barrel.
Do you think the work will affect how it shoots (other than the physics of a shorter barrel)?
again, thanks. Suli
I would have bet that the barrel is much closer to 23-inches long based on the fact that the original magazine tube hanger ring is still present.
As long as the barrel crown is clean and perfectly square (after being cut down), it should shoot just fine. Keep in mind that Winchester manufactured a very large number of Model 1894 (94) Carbines with a 20-inch (or shorter) barrel in the 30 WCF cartridge.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert, ran a rod down for a proper measurement and it’s 21 1/16 to the breech face. Did they make 24″ octagon barrels?
Suli said
Bert, ran a rod down for a proper measurement and it’s 21 1/16 to the breech face. Did they make 24″ octagon barrels?
Perhaps the muzzle or the first several inches of barrel were damaged and the barrel cut back to save it?
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
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