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December 31, 2012
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I know a lot of you like pictures. I enjoy showing off some of my poor mans collectibles. This is a 1916 vintage Oct. bbl. M1894, # 830132. What sets it apart, is not only the condition, it is a late 38-55 with a Lyman M103 tang sight. Not factory, an add on, done by me. 1916 was the first year of the M103 tang sight. Bore is like new on this treasure. Big Larry
December 26, 2017
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Very Nice looking Rifle. The tang sight certainly add to the looks and function.
THIS ALL STARTED WITH JUST ONE GUN!
December 27, 2007
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A Beauty.
“…poor man’s collectibles…” What is the category about three steps below this one? Seems that is where most of mine would fit.
December 26, 2017
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Mine go from near relic condition to tier one. Most fall in the middle.
THIS ALL STARTED WITH JUST ONE GUN!
December 31, 2012
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I buy what I like and can afford. I just broke my cardinal rule and used my credit card to buy a rifle. Something I never do, but I could not pass the rifle up.
This one I traded for a minty M1873 Musket and bayonet. According to the Redbook, this M1894 is worth substantially more than the Musket. As for shooting it, that probably will not happen. I have two other 38-55’s, one SRC which I will never shoot and a real nice 1/2 oct. from 1907 that I may put a few rounds through. I have a box of reloads for it. Not a fan of shooting rifles with crescent butt plates. Big Larry
November 7, 2015
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Thanks, Big Larry. There’s something about a nice 94 with a tang site…in 38-55 no less. And a pic to boot! Nicely done.
I put rifles (and other stuff) on my credit card to get the points. I have nearly $120 in points at the moment to apply to my next rifle. Hard part is remembering to keep the card paid off!
December 1, 2012
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TXGunNut said
I put rifles (and other stuff) on my credit card to get the points. I have nearly $120 in points at the moment to apply to my next rifle. Hard part is remembering to keep the card paid off!
Agreed, but I have another reason also: a sense of security when purchasing online. So many sellers one’s never heard of want a Postal money order, which once cashed one can never recoup, whereas with a credit card one at least has a glimmer of a possibility of getting one’s $$$ back if there’s a problem. Especially if a gun is lost or damaged in shipping via UPS.
Its well worth the 3% fee some sellers want and there are those such as Collector’s and Condon’s well as several other gun shops that don’t charge the fee. Just my 2¢ worth.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
December 31, 2012
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You don’t want to defraud a person who uses a Postal MO. The Postal Police will get you. You just don’t mess with the US Mail. Big Larry
December 14, 2009
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What a lovely old 1894. I only have one 1894 .38-55 in my very modest collection that has a DOM of early 1895 and a 4 digit serial. I bought it some 55 years ago while working for the Hudson’s Bay Company on the coast of James Bay. It had seen many years of hard use and really shows it! It is however a First Model 1894 which I didn’t know anything about when I bought it nor would have cared had I known. I paid about $10 for it but considering I was earning $175 a month it was a fair bit.
April 15, 2005
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Clipper47 said
What a lovely old 1894. I only have one 1894 .38-55 in my very modest collection that has a DOM of early 1895 and a 4 digit serial. I bought it some 55 years ago while working for the Hudson’s Bay Company on the coast of James Bay. It had seen many years of hard use and really shows it! It is however a First Model 1894 which I didn’t know anything about when I bought it nor would have cared had I known. I paid about $10 for it but considering I was earning $175 a month it was a fair bit.
Have you given me the serial number for the research survey? Thus far, I have documented (190) First Model 1894s.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 14, 2009
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Bert, Yes I believe that you have it. The number is 3149.
April 15, 2005
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Clipper47 said
Bert, Yes I believe that you have it. The number is 3149.
I do have it in the survey, but did not note the barrel type (octagon or round).
Thanks,
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 14, 2009
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26″ octagonal. No special features.
April 15, 2005
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Thanks!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Clipper47 said
26″ octagonal. No special features.
Begging your pardon but I think an octagonal barrel first model 1894 IS pretty special. 
December 14, 2009
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TXGunNut said
Begging your pardon but I think an octagonal barrel first model 1894 IS pretty special.
It is pretty special to me but mostly for the memories it brings when I hold it. I can still picture the gun when it was brought out for me to see while sitting with the lay church brothers one evening at the Oblate Mission at Fort Albany on the coast of James Bay. in the winter of 1963. By “special features”, I am sure you realize I meant it to be a standard rifle with no special order features from the factory. Thanks for your kind words.
November 7, 2015
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Yes, my remark was a bit tongue-in-cheek but quite honestly I think a first model 1894 with OB would have a special place in almost any collection. Now we know it’s all the more special to you because of the history and memories. My earliest 94 is only a few months “newer” than yours and even though it’s a second model it’s pretty special in it’s own way.
Mike
