The last piece in the puzzle for my 1894 collection is a carbine chambered in 38-55. I’ve looked at a lot of dogs, and very high condition ones are going for more than I can spend. I was perusing the Mertz website, and saw a likely looking one that I can afford…… but being that it is a Mertz gun and still on the expensive side I’m cautious, I thought I’d ask here for a more “practiced eye” opinion. Please take a look and give me all your thoughts – good, bad, or indifferent.
https://www.merzantiques.com/product/w972-winchester-1894-src/
John D. said
The last piece in the puzzle for my 1894 collection is a carbine chambered in 38-55. I’ve looked at a lot of dogs, and very high condition ones are going for more than I can spend. I was perusing the Mertz website, and saw a likely looking one that I can afford…… but being that it is a Mertz gun and still on the expensive side I’m cautious, I thought I’d ask here for a more “practiced eye” opinion. Please take a look and give me all your thoughts – good, bad, or indifferent.https://www.merzantiques.com/product/w972-winchester-1894-src/
It’s a pretty good looking gun. I don’t care for that shotgun butt. Seems pretty proudly priced. I think I’d continue looking
John,
I am not real keen on the fact that somebody gouged up the forend stock when they took the rear barrel band off. That SRC was manufactured in 1912, and because it has a special order shotgun butt, the stocks are walnut versus the standard gumwood. Overall it would be a better buy at approximately $2,800.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert,
Thank you for your expert opinion, I genuinely appreciate it. You probably don’t remember, but several years ago we met when Dave (Trap55) introduced us at the Reno show. you helped me buy a nice 1892 rifle in 25-20, and I was very grateful for the help. I knew nothing then, and has since learned a lot. I still know very little though, and it’s nice to be able to come here for forthright and honest opinions.
Dana,
Thanks for the PM, and I very much look forward to what you have to offer. 🙂
November 7, 2015
In my humble opinion the same money will get you a better carbine if you’re willing to wait until it comes along. Carbines this age tend to be a bit rough but there are nice ones out there. I scored a carbine nearly as nice as Leroy’s at last year’s Cody show for a lot less money.
Mike
TXGunNut said
In my humble opinion the same money will get you a better carbine if you’re willing to wait until it comes along. Carbines this age tend to be a bit rough but there are nice ones out there. I scored a carbine nearly as nice as Leroy’s at last year’s Cody show for a lot less money.
Mike
Mike,
I’ve been hoping for “the right one” to come along for a couple of years. 🙂 A friend of mine has a nice on in 38-55, but he’s not selling. Most of the 38-55 carbines I’ve seen either look like relics, or have roached bores.
The advice I’ve received here so far has planted me firmly in the “keep waiting” group, and that’s a good thing. You guys are a real service to me.
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