Win 94 1901 Octagon .38-55

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greenbay357
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Win 94 1901 Octagon .38-55

Post by greenbay357 »

Howdy! I was hoping to get a little more info on a Winchester 1894 that a friend of mine recently inherited from his Uncle. It has a 26" octagon barrel in caliber .38-55. The Serial number (112831) dates it to 1901. I have been researching about 94's for a couple days now and haven't seen many with a 2/3 tube magazine, they usually go the full length of the barrel. But, I am also a rookie and was hoping some experts here could help me out and give me some information about the rifle. Thanks!
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44shooter
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Re: Win 94 1901 Octagon .38-55

Post by 44shooter »

There are members way more knowledgable than me on on this. But I think that is a special order rifle from the factory as in factory custom.
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Sixgun
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Re: Win 94 1901 Octagon .38-55

Post by Sixgun »

The mag tube is definitely a scarce, if not rare variation.....everything else on the rifle appears standard.......look very carefully under the muzzle to see if a dovetail has been filled in........if there is nothing the mag tube is original........I would guesstimate that the odd length mag tube would bring a 25% - 35% premium on the same rifle, condition for condition.......

There's always the EXTREME unlikelihood that the barrel was originally longer than 26" and someone cut it down to hide the dovetail cut. Measure it.....should NOT be under 26" under any circumstances. Muzzle should be flat faced with NO machine marks with NO crown cut in.

It'll be worth it to get a factory letter.....I've seen lots of button mags but rarely a 2/3rds.....

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greenbay357
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Re: Win 94 1901 Octagon .38-55

Post by greenbay357 »

Ok, thanks! I will snap a few more pics and post them on here.
greenbay357
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Re: Win 94 1901 Octagon .38-55

Post by greenbay357 »

I snapped a few more pics, there is definitely some marks under the barrel near the muzzle. It does not appear to me that the barrel has been cut down, but I am far from an expert. Thanks for the help, guys.
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Trailboss
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Re: Win 94 1901 Octagon .38-55

Post by Trailboss »

greenbay357 wrote: Tue Nov 23, 2021 6:08 pm I snapped a few more pics, there is definitely some marks under the barrel near the muzzle. It does not appear to me that the barrel has been cut down, but I am far from an expert. Thanks for the help, guys.
The barrel crown looks original but the magazine has been cut down and the dovetail filled.This was not an uncommon modification that lightened the rifle for a hunter.
greenbay357
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Re: Win 94 1901 Octagon .38-55

Post by greenbay357 »

Barrel
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greenbay357
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Re: Win 94 1901 Octagon .38-55

Post by greenbay357 »

Trailboss wrote: Tue Nov 23, 2021 6:20 pm
greenbay357 wrote: Tue Nov 23, 2021 6:08 pm I snapped a few more pics, there is definitely some marks under the barrel near the muzzle. It does not appear to me that the barrel has been cut down, but I am far from an expert. Thanks for the help, guys.
The barrel crown looks original but the magazine has been cut down and the dovetail filled.This was not an uncommon modification that lightened the rifle for a hunter.
Interesting! Thanks, Trailboss
44shooter
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Re: Win 94 1901 Octagon .38-55

Post by 44shooter »

Yep. Aftermarket job for sure
greenbay357
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Re: Win 94 1901 Octagon .38-55

Post by greenbay357 »

^^^^ So this would negatively affect the value of the rifle, since its been modified?
Trailboss
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Re: Win 94 1901 Octagon .38-55

Post by Trailboss »

greenbay357 wrote: Wed Nov 24, 2021 10:10 am ^^^^ So this would negatively affect the value of the rifle, since its been modified?
Unfortunately yes. The rifle will not be of interest to collectors since it's no longer original. However, the rifle is a desirable caliber and in usable condition and so would be of interest to a hunter at a hunting rifle price.
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Sixgun
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Re: Win 94 1901 Octagon .38-55

Post by Sixgun »

Depends on the collector...a purist would balk at it but most people would rather have that than some cheap imported junk.........remember, they don't make them anymore and there's always a demand for pre ww1 1894's even if they have been modified a bit.....it's octagon barreled and it appears not to have any other mods or holes.....I'd take one like that way before I'd take a gunshop $29.99 buffed and reblued one. In fact, it would not take much to put the original length tube back on and fill in the dovetail that was put on there.

It's no big deal...just leave it alone and enjoy it.....if the bore is good it's still an $800-$1000 gun....easily......

It's a WINCHESTER and will always hold its value if properly purchased.---006
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44shooter
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Re: Win 94 1901 Octagon .38-55

Post by 44shooter »

He should enjoy it. I have seen much worse mods.
greenbay357
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Re: Win 94 1901 Octagon .38-55

Post by greenbay357 »

Thanks for all the replies, you guys have helped a ton.
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