1894 Winchester history.

opso427

A couple of years ago I found a 1894 Win in a pawnshop. It was a 38-55 with a 26 inch oct bbl and double set triggers. The gun was brown but with no rust or pitting. So I bought it. I shot some cast bullets in it and tinkered with it, but the bore was pretty bad, and it never would group at all, so into the safe it went. Lately I got it out and while cleaning it up began to wonder about its history. I wrote the Cody Museum and got a letter for it. It pretty much told me what I already knew. Made in 1906 , shipped in 1906, and back for repair in 1917.
Is there anywhere else that would possibly have any history on it. I would like to know where it was shipped to. Does anyone know of other places to look for info ? Thanks, Tom

tsr1965

Yes, you have come to the right place. I am certain, that Bert H will be along shortly, and he will ask you several more questions about it, including the full serial number.

Bert H is one of the leading Winchester experts on the planet, and has co authored 4 editions of "The Red Book of Winchester", which is the newest, most accurate reference, that replaces the ramblings of George Madis.

Bert H.

Tom,

In answer to your question, unfortunately No, there are no other sources of information that can provide the history of your Model 1894. After it left the New Haven factory in the year 1906, the historical records end. Only the former owners can fill in the details.

opso427

Thank both of you guys for the help. I wish it could talk. I would like to know where it traveled when it left Winchester. The set triggers really set it apart from most other 94's.
Unfortunately the bore looks like a sewer pipe. I have cast bullets from .378 to .381 with no luck. I love 38-55 and want to shoot it , so I am thinking about having it lined. It has an old Lyman tang sight on it, and would make a great shooter. The set trigger must break around two ounces , and works like it was new.
Thanks again for the replies.

Tom

eastbank

try a few.375 dia. jacketed 220gr hornady,s, i ran into the same thing with a bad looking bore in a 38-55. i used RL-7 and it would than shoot 2-3 inch groups at 100 yrds with a tang peep sight. you have nothing to lose. eastbank.

opso427

I might try that with the jacketed bullets. I slugged the bore and came up with .379 , so I don't have much hope, but like you said, nothing ventured nothing gained.