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Arthur Pirkle, in his book on the M94, says:
A number of serious Winchester collectors consider the collectible phase of the Model 1894 to have ended even earlier (than 1964) at serial number 1,850,000 (1952).
But he doesn’t go on to say why. So, what happened at SN 1,850,000 ?
THANKS
Nothing happened at or near that serial number, and I have no idea why Art would have made that statement. The production changes that were made prior to and after that serial number were as follows;
Serial range 1744500 – 1753000, the forend stock length was shortened.
Serial range 1915000 – 1926800, the receiver was drilled & tapped for a peep sight.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thank you Bert. You know that is not the first questionable thing I have come across in Pirkle. Beginning to lose confidence. Do you have a recommendation for a definitive reference on the 92 and 94?
Kevin
Kevin,
There are no truly “definitive” references for either model (yet). That stated, Bob Renneberg’s next edition of his work on the Model 1894/94 will be as definitive as possible at this point in time. I do not know of anyone who is attempting to write a reference book for the Model 1892/92.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
War Eagle said
Thank you Bert. You know that is not the first questionable thing I have come across in Pirkle. Beginning to lose confidence. Do you have a recommendation for a definitive reference on the 92 and 94?
Kevin
Hello Kevin,
I have been working on a survey of the Model 1892/92 rifles for almost 7 years now and will eventually be publish the results of all the work. In the interim I am glad to answer any questions you might have.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Michael,
I think you have my 1892 take down in your survey. Serial number 37362, 44 wcf, “rod in butt”, special order sights.
My question: Of the rifles/carbines in your current survey, how many model 1892 take down rifles with the rod in butt feature do you have?
Thanks,
Al
In the Winchester handbook, (Model 1894 section) Madis states that, “While previously all levers had been hand polished to remove grinding marks, after about number 1,400,000 the grinding marks were usually not removed.”
I can’t say I was aware of this but it seems to be an example of the known movement toward less hand work performed on the rifles – which continued to progress in the following decades.
I have a friend that is a Master Machinist and also a Winchester collector. He has been inside many a Winchester and tells me that just before or after the war, the internal fit and finish went right downhill. 1,400,000 is just about 1947. Big Larry
steve004 said
In the Winchester handbook, (Model 1894 section) Madis states that, “While previously all levers had been hand polished to remove grinding marks, after about number 1,400,000 the grinding marks were usually not removed.”I can’t say I was aware of this but it seems to be an example of the known movement toward less hand work performed on the rifles – which continued to progress in the following decades.
Steve,
While the fit and finish on the post-WW II Model 94 Carbines was not quite the same quality as the pre-war production guns, Winchester most certainly did not intentionally leave “grinding marks” on any visible parts. The last pre-war Model 94 was serial number 1343183.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks Michael I will take you up on that.
When do you think your book will be coming out?
Kevin
War Eagle said
Thanks Michael I will take you up on that.
When do you think your book will be coming out?
Kevin
Kevin,
Hopefully before the two of us go to the big gun safe in the sky!! Or wherever we go. It will most likely be a few more years. But glad to help in the interim. 
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
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