Log In
Members
Home
Add Reply
Add Topic
Two of my pre 1900 (1894 models) were purchased without elevators. These guns are shooters with fair – mid values. The time had come to introduce ourselves at the range & I needed to acquire the elevators.
The sights are Winchester sporting. I tried the elevator that’s in my first variation model and it fit perfect. I thought this to be a 32A & ordered two. They looked almost identical until side by side(shorter & narrower). When I’m at the lowest notch it will move front to back & is narrower.
Can anyone advise what elevator designation I need. Neither of these in the photo below fit properly. 
AG
Ok here are more photos. The top one is the correct fit and is from my 1894 first variation model DOM 1895. It fits all 3 rear sight nicely with no apparent movement.
The bottom one is now 1 of 4 I’ve ordered & acquired. This is getting frustrating, & expensive. As you can see the top one is wider & the notches are not the same space. I want two exactly like the top one in these photos. 
AG
I’ve also referenced Renneberg’s first edition revised, and on page 184 it describes the elevators as 1A.
Any 1A elevators on EBay have the thumb extension which I thought was a 32B. Any clarification or help Is appreciated.
AG
Offline
AG,
The best way to buy them is at gun shows so you can see them in person. You can’t go by anybodies description online since they don’t know themselves or they are promoting their junk elevators hoping someone bites. The early elevators you are looking for do not have a number given to them. The 1a is the one with the serrated part. they made several variation similar to the 1a which were the 1b and 1c. Buy Madis’s sight book, its got lots of good info in it.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
1873man said
AG,The best way to buy them is at gun shows so you can see them in person. You can’t go by anybodies description online since they don’t know themselves or they are promoting their junk elevators hoping someone bites. The early elevators you are looking for do not have a number given to them. The 1a is the one with the serrated part. they made several variation similar to the 1a which were the 1b and 1c. Buy Madis’s sight book, its got lots of good info in it.
Bob
Have to agree Bob, back in the case for now..
AG
Tried an elevator out of a 1886 model 45-70 that also fit. No number on it. Still chasing.
AG
Still seeing several elevators on EBay describing the 32B as 1A. I have taken a pic from Renneberg’s “The First 100 Years” posted below. Can someone confirm the 1A is as depicted in the book.
The upper one has a 1A, 1B or 1C depending on its height. The lower one is the standard elevator with slanted steps found on most early lever guns. There is a one which has flat steps which is the earliest elevator found on 66’s and early 73’s with the short barrel sight. These elevators have no designation number. There is no 32B elevator. A 32B is a rear barrel sight.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Thank you Bob for straightening out that numerical designation(or non designation).
Guessing this is updated in Renneberg’s latest book(Winchester Model 94: A Century of Craftsmanship)2009, which I don’t have.
AG
You don’t want an elevator with a thumb piece. These were made post 1900. What is it that you don’t like about the ones you bought? If they fit I would just use one of them. If they don’t fit, take one of your other ones with you when you go to the next gun show.
Here are a couple pics of my 1894 made in 1898.
Chuck said
You don’t want an elevator with a thumb piece. These were made post 1900. What is it that you don’t like about the ones you bought? If they fit I would just use one of them. If they don’t fit, take one of your other ones with you when you go to the next gun show.Here are a couple pics of my 1894 made in 1898.
Yes I don’t want the thumb piece. The ones I bought don’t fit. They’re not correct. I’ve since ordered a couple more, one each from different vendors. Hopefully one will be right & will order the a second. Maybe get lucky and both are correct.
Not always able to get to a gun show & not a lot around here.
AG
AG said
Yes I don’t want the thumb piece. The ones I bought don’t fit. They’re not correct. I’ve since ordered a couple more, one each from different vendors. Hopefully one will be right & will order the a second. Maybe get lucky and both are correct.
Not always able to get to a gun show & not a lot around here.
AG
Are they too long, short or is it a thickness problem? If you buy a repo and put it on your gun no one but you will know. You can start shooting your gun until you find what you want.
The top one is the correct fit and is from my 1894 first variation model DOM 1895. It fits all 3 rear sights nicely with no movement.
As you can see the top one(which fits) is wider & the notches are different.
AG
AG, no offense intended, but I think you are overthinking this issue. If the bottom one goes into the slot use it.
Chuck said
AG, no offense intended, but I think you are overthinking this issue. If the bottom one goes into the slot use it.
No offence taken Chuck, however these are both high value guns & an incorrect sight elevator, that rattles, doesn’t do it for me. Jmo.
AG
If it rattles that is another story. Usually the tension of the sight sitting on a step would keep the elevator from moving.
Chuck said
If it rattles that is another story. Usually the tension of the sight sitting on a step would keep the elevator from moving.
Ya Chuck the steps are cut deeper on the ones I received so far, so not resting on the step. The narrower width didn’t bother me as much as the play in the elevator front to back with the little rattle.
Will know this week & post if I acquired the correct elevators.
AG
Is the sight tight and flat against the barrel when the elevator is removed? Depth of the notch would not cause the elevator to move. Any movement of the sight upwards should be enough to cause pressure on even the lowest step..Is the sight bent?
All good Chuck. New elevators worked out. Fit perfect. One is a copy & the other an original. Can’t tell the difference. Same elevators used on pre 1890 DOM model 1886’s.
AG
1 Guest(s)
