Don,
No, not necessarily. While most of the 38-55 caliber rifles manufactured in the 1 – 2000 serial range are 1st models with the 10 o’clock screw, there were a fair number of them that are 2nd models. In my continuing research survey of all Model 1894 serial numbers in the 1 – 9999 serial range, I have found a substantial number of 2nd model 1894s in the < 2000 serial number range. The very first 2nd model I have recorded is serial number 543, a 38-55 Fancy Sporting Rifle, which shipped in November of 1894. There are dozens of early 32-40 rifles beginning with serial number 545, all of which are 2nd models.
For anyone who reads this, if you have a 1st model 1894, please get in touch. If you have a Model 1894 with a serial number < 10,000, please get in touch.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Don,No, not necessarily. While most of the 38-55 caliber rifles manufactured in the 1 – 2000 serial range are 1st models with the 10 o’clock screw, there were a fair number of them that are 2nd models. In my continuing research survey of all Model 1894 serial numbers in the 1 – 9999 serial range, I have found a substantial number of 2nd model 1894s in the < 2000 serial number range. The very first 2nd model I have recorded is serial number 543, a 38-55 Fancy Sporting Rifle, which shipped in November of 1894. There are dozens of early 32-40 rifles beginning with serial number 545, all of which are 2nd models.
For anyone who reads this, if you have a 1st model 1894, please get in touch. If you have a Model 1894 with a serial number < 10,000, please get in touch.
Bert
Thanks Bert. I didn’t know that these early serial numbers were so intermingled.
November 7, 2015

I’m a little puzzled by the assertion that this beautiful rifle is a first year production gun but nothing to support that claim.
TXGunNut said
I’m a little puzzled by the assertion that this beautiful rifle is a first year production gun but nothing to support that claim.
The letter that they show was from 2009. It does not show the serial number application date. This may not have been available then. I have a SNA date of 11-21-1894. Maybe an updated serial number search from Cody will show this now. That would make it a first year rifle.
Paul
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