Rusty85 said
Hi Bert 
Any idea when they started factory drilling and tapping the 43’s. I’ve got one in 22 hornet that if it’s not factory somebody that really knew what they were doing did it. The serial number is 37066A. 
  

M43 s/n 370066A was factory drilled & tapped for scope blocks on the receiver frame rings.  If the barrel or side of the receiver is D&T, then it is aftermarket work.  As Jeff mentioned, the rear bridge of the receiver frame has a 45-degree bevel on the specimens that were not factory drilled & tapped.

 Bert

Knowing FN, I expect that has been resolved. However, if I were going to buy one, I would try to buy one from a reputable shop with an inventory of them from which to choose and that had an on-site gunsmith. 

That is being ultra conservative but, at a minimum, I would not buy one sight unseen. 

Out of box, you should expect to get 1.25 to 1.5 MOA, at least, I'd guess.  

https://www.ronspomeroutdoors.com/

Mike

There is a ton of information available from the members here, welcome to the club!

I collect .22's and don't know anything about the 1866 or 94 but there are a great number of people here that do, you are at the right place.

Best Regards,

Rusty85 said
Hi Bert 
Any idea when they started factory drilling and tapping the 43’s. I’ve got one in 22 hornet that if it’s not factory somebody that really knew what they were doing did it. The serial number is 37066A. 
  

Not Bert but around 31780. 

Extremely easy to tell if it is factory or not, the breech opeing on the non-factory drilled rifles have a bevel at the rear edge, the factory drilled receivers do not have the bevel.

Best Regards,

Any idea when they started factory drilling and tapping the 43’s. I’ve got one in 22 hornet that if it’s not factory somebody that really knew what they were doing did it. The serial number is 37066A. 

Yes I think the rifle should have sold for significantly more and would have through a more visable venue. Lesson learned.

Bert H. said

antler1 said

Athappyhiker said
Sold for over $11,000 !!!  That is just insanity.
  

For your reference. I believe it was well bought and regret not buying it!
https://www.rockislandauction.com/catalog/4096/?lotNumber=1005
  

I too am of the opinion that the new owner got a very good deal on it, and I won't be shocked to see it show up in a future RIA auction where it will undoubtedly sell for several thousand $$$$ more than what it just sold for.
Bert
  

I suppose you're right.  I'm not a Winchester collector and don't have that kind of $$$ so I have nothing to go off of.... rifles are like anything else; worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it I guess.  If it's an investment piece then good on the buyer if he can flip it for more $$$>

I currently have (19) Model 1894 Rifles documented in my research survey that are in the 930000 - 930999 serial range, and of that number, (17) of them are Take Downs.  Can you post (or send me) a clear close-up picture of the serial number?  Digital cameras often times reveal things that we cannot (or do not) see with the naked eye.

Bert

antler1 said

Athappyhiker said
Sold for over $11,000 !!!  That is just insanity.
  

For your reference. I believe it was well bought and regret not buying it!
https://www.rockislandauction.com/catalog/4096/?lotNumber=1005
  

I too am of the opinion that the new owner got a very good deal on it, and I won't be shocked to see it show up in a future RIA auction where it will undoubtedly sell for several thousand $$$$ more than what it just sold for.

Bert