The sights have been changed on this rifle before. It now has the standard Sporting type with serrated edges, which I presume to be correct, but as the sights have been changed before, I have a real nice Calif. Buckhorn sight I would like to put on this rifle. The rifle is 95%+ and would really look cool with the Buckhorn. Just want to know if it would be period correct. Thanks, Big Larry

jwm94 said
Like I said, the serrated edges was phased out beginning 1908, so if your rifle is 1907 vintage, it would be ‘period’ correct by definition of the word as far as I am concerned.

James  

Thanks James. I also have a black powder Calif. Buckhorn and it has no serrations and it must be an earlier sight. Probably never made them with serrations. I think I will go ahead with this project as the sight matches my rifle pretty close. Normally, I would not change out the sight, but as stated, it was changed out by the previous owner. It had a 3 leaf Express sight on it. may have been correct, but was certainly not factory. It is a very beautiful rifle, lots of blue and case color.  Again, thanks James. Big Larry

jwm94 said

You’re welcome, Brother.  Not so sure that I have helped any at all, and am still hoping that someone will get involved with this issue for you.  The primary source that I am using is The Sight Book.  Pre-26 designation for the California Buckhorn for Black Powder and Smokeless is listed as ‘Old Number 38’ and ‘Old Number 40’, respectively.  As for the checking/serrations, both note that it stopped ‘2/18.08’, but the reference might be for the 26 series only.  So you might be right about serrations on them.  I simply don’t know.

Have a great rest of the day!

James  

Thanks my friend. I think all the Winchester guys are in Reno and are heading back. Maybe someone can shed a little light on this subject, although tomorrow, I will probably change the sights out. These sights have been in my parts box for quite a while. I do have a few extra sights of all types. Big Larry

Chuck said
Larry, I am not a sight expert but I believe the Ca. buckhorns (full buckhorn) were never serrated.  There is a 26 A for black powder (no adjustable leaf) and a 26 B for smokeless (adjustable leaf).  These have a thumb style elevator 1 B or 1C.  These have 1901 patent dates.  The 1A is for the 38-55 and 32-40’s.  Only difference for the elevators is the height.  

Thanks Chuck. Looking over what info I have on the Buckhorns, and none show a serrated type. I am going to put the sight on a 1907 vintage M1894 with a oct. bbl. in 30 WCF. I will take some pics when I get it done. Too cold right now to get in my room to work on the rifle. Thanks for the input. Big Larry