Hello all, I recently came across a Winchester 1894 in 30-30 from 1907. What is confusing is the feed tube is not extended to the full length of the barrel. I am trying to determine if its possible it came from the factory like this. If so, does it affect the value of the firearm in a positive or negative way? What is a ballpark value on something like this? Trying to gather any available information on this little piece of history. Any insight is appreciated.
Walt,
The 1/2 length magazine was an “optional” (no extra cost) item. The Shotgun butt w/hard rubber butt plate was a “special” order (extra cost) item. That stated, I highly suspect that the butt stock is not original to the rest of the gun. It is significantly undersized to the receiver frame and tangs, and it has a repaired crack (most likely caused by the poor fit). Does the butt plate have a widow’s peak inletted into the top of the butt stock?
In regards to the value enhancement of a 1/2 length magazine tube, for many people it is does not add any value, and for some, it actually reduces the value slightly.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Walt,The 1/2 length magazine was an “optional” (no extra cost) item. The Shotgun butt w/hard rubber butt plate was a “special” order (extra cost) item. That stated, I highly suspect that the butt stock is not original to the rest of the gun. It is significantly undersized to the receiver frame and tangs, and it has a repaired crack (most likely caused by the poor fit). Does the butt plate have a widow’s peak inletted into the top of the butt stock?
In regards to the value enhancement of a 1/2 length magazine tube, for many people it is does not add any value, and for some, it actually reduces the value slightly.
Bert
As far as an extra charge for a hard rubber shotgun butt, I wonder it it depends on the year of manufacture? The Model 1894 section of my 1916 Winchester catalog states the following: “All of the above can be furnished with Half Magazines or Shotgun Butt Stocks, with either metal or rubber butt plate, at same price.”
In 1896 1/2 mags and SGBs were offered at no cost. When that carbine was made they were no cost options and were some what popular. As to the stock being undersized, it’s been sanded and repaired with a bolt, I wouldn’t imagine replacing a stock with one with a bolt in it, when you could do the same repair to the that was on it. A shame, but that was a common way to repair stocks.
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