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So, a friend called me to let me know he was in negotiations to buy a small family collection and has it (the collection) to evaluate and make an offer.
He brings one of them to me to look at, a Model 1894 manufactured in 1900 in 32-40. It has a round 26 inch barrel, buckhorn rear sight and a Lyman peep mounted. I’m very sure that it is original finish and in the high 90’s% with just a little surface rust in hard to get places.
The main question I have is the sling swivels. The front is mounted on the tube at the hanger. I only find them mounted on the end cap.
Did Winchester ever do this? It’s not a deal killer as it could be reversed with the hanger being changed out if that were necessary but I don’t think it is. I’d just like to know about the originality.
Thanks in advance.
In the year 1900, Winchester would have installed a sling-eye on the bottom of the forend cap. To the best of my knowledge, all of the sling mounts that slide onto the magazine tube, are aftermarket items.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks, it looks nice and pretty but I thought it didn’t look like what I was used to seeing.
I suppose that would mean that the gun was originally without sling mounts and the rear one would have been a later addition (at the same time as front) also.
Yes, that would be a fair assessment. A Cody letter will clear it all up.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
A general question about the caliber. I’m familiar with the 32-20 the 32 WS but not this one. Anything “special” about it? Is it an accurate caliber?
jban said
A general question about the caliber. I’m familiar with the 32-20 the 32 WS but not this one. Anything “special” about it? Is it an accurate caliber?
The 32-40 is older than both the 32 WCF (32-20) and the 32 WS, and a more accurate cartridge. It was developed by Ballard as a target cartridge in their larger Single Shot rifles. Winchester adopted it in the year 1885 for the Model 1885 Single Shot rifles, and added it to the Model 1894 cartridge list very late in the year 1894. Optimum bullet weight is in the 160 – 170 grain range.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks Bert.
I’ll get the letter on it to answer some questions and post it.
Rifle was actually made in 1904. The peep sight is a Lyman and looks like correct style but I’ll have to study it. Patent date is a year later, July 25, 1905
It is fitted with a shotgun butt stock, metal plate. I feel good about it but again BB will be the final word.
If you are still data basing these I will be happy to find your thread and post what info I have before me in wood and steel.
This is one lovable Winchester 1894
Will be posting pics
edit/ps I was probably a little overzealous about the condition, I had stardust in my eyes during the 5 minute inspection that first look. Got it yesterday
p-ps… Just saw that as far as surveys go this falls into the slot that isn’t being recorded. 244209. Will post pics soon.
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