Winchester 1894 takedown

AdventureTime

I'm in the process of picking up an 1894 takedown model. SN is 29580 and it's a 30 WCF.

This is my first experience with a takedown and I'm hesitant on taking it apart. Any hints and tips so I don't damage the rifle?

Also, I'm wondering what it may be worth. I'd put the gun in 80-85% overall condition on the exterior, but the sweet thing is the bore is at least 9 of 10! There are no cracks in the wood and it has what i believe to be an original(?) peep site on the back.

Here's some pics:

http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Crom9/library/1894 30 WCF 1895 MFG?sort=3&page=1


Let me know what you guys think! Thanks!

AdventureTime

Forgot to ask. It being an antique, I know I can't shoot current ammo through it. What is safe to use?

Thanks!

TRAP55

Made in 1897, and it will shoot any commercially loaded .30/30. Nice looking rifle!

AdventureTime

Thanks, Trap!

I thought based on the serial number it was made in 1895. I'm getting that from here:

http://www.winchesterguns.com/support/files/images/wfa/2012-All/2012-Articles/Winchester-Manufacture-Dates-by-Year----2012-Scanned-Documents.pdf

Is this info not accurate?

Thanks!

CapnMidnight

Josh,
Read the sticky at the top of the page.
If your going to spend good money on collector Winchester rifles, you need to buy yourself a copy of The Red Book of Winchester values.
A trove of information about Winchester rifles.
Contact Bert H, a mod on this forum, he will fix you right up.
W.D.

AdventureTime

Book is on order, thanks Cap!

gearheaddad

Looks like a beautiful '94. Just be sure the lever is open when you take it down or re assemble. Also just be careful with the TD mechanism itself as to not scratch the underside of the barrel. Very simple! Take your time, and you shouldn't have to "force" anything.
Ed

Bert H.

quote:Originally posted by AdventureTime
Thanks, Trap!

I thought based on the serial number it was made in 1895. I'm getting that from here:

http://www.winchesterguns.com/support/files/images/wfa/2012-All/2012-Articles/Winchester-Manufacture-Dates-by-Year----2012-Scanned-Documents.pdf

Is this info not accurate?

Thanks!


No, it is not accurate information. Model 1894 serial 29580 was manufactured in November of 1897.

As Trap55 mentioned, any commercially manufactured 30-30 ammo is perfectly safe to shoot in your 115+ year old rifle. It is loaded to the same pressure today as it was back in August of 1895 when it was first introduced.

In regards to taking it down, put a light coat of oil on the magazine tube from the magazine retaining ring all the way down to forend cap. Lift the lever on the end of the tube 90-degrees and then turn it CCW until the tube is free of the receiver, pull it all the way out, then open the lever fully, twist the barrel assembly 90-degrees CCW, and pull forward on the barrel assembly.

thunderbolt

Just because you can take a gun apart, doesn't mean you should. I'd hate to see new scratches on that beauty.

AdventureTime

Thanks, guys!

It came apart like it was new from the factory. No problems at all. Still haven't shot yet, but will probably bring it to the range this weekend and see how it does at 50 and 100 yards.

Thanks again!