David Sommers said
Hello,

New member here. I have what I believe to be a transitional 94. Serial is 11058xx, dating to 1939. Carbine butt plate, type 22 sight, gum wood stocks, 30wcf. From what I’ve read, that’s a little late, but everything is original to the gun. It’s a darn good shooter with 1.5” groups at 100 yards using 170gr ammo. Is this period correct?  

Hello David,

The partial serial number you mention was manufactured in 1936 versus 1939.  The “Transitional” Carbine production ended in late May of 1937.  The use of Gumwood for Model 94 stocks ended in the mid to late 1920s.  If your Carbine actually has Gumwood, the odds are very high that it is not original to the gun.  I would like to know what the complete serial number is (for my research survey), and to see some clear pictures of both stock pieces.

Bert – [email protected]

sb said
How frequently does the 25-35 transition carbine show up in the  survey?

  

Very infrequently… thus far I have only found (8) out of the (576) that I have surveyed in the “Transitional” Carbine serial number range.

I have detailed caliber production information for the years 1907 through 1931, but I have not yet created the same information for the years 1932 through 1963.  I suppose that I should do that soon.  The table below is contained within my research survey document.  It contains the caliber/cartridge breakdown for the 9,631 specimens I have documented thus far in the 354000 – 1079689 serial number range (May 13th, 1907 through December 30th, 1931).

TXGunNut said
I have a little experience with all the 1894 cartridges other than the 25-35. I have no desire to venture down that rabbit hole but have always been intrigued by the 25-35. Any theories as to why it was so unpopular? I suppose it was an early version of “size matters” but I can’t help but think the 25-35 was an impressive little hot rod. 

 

Mike

  

The 25-35 WCF was not a “little hot rod” and that was its downfall.  The standard factory load was a 117-gr bullet @1925 fps and just 985 ft lbs. of energy.  Not a problem for small deer and good shot placement, but certainly not enough to chase bears or bigger game animals with it.

Bert

TXGunNut said
I figured with the case capacity and bullet size it should have been capable of 2500fps. I guess Winchester was thinking small game. At 1900fps it would also be a short range proposition.

Mike

I am sure that it could be loaded to 2500 fps with the right powder, but would definitely approach doing so cautiously.  In a Single Shot rifle, I would not hesitate to bump it up to 2800+ fps.