Over the past month or so, I've picked up two vintage 38-55's. I bought both of these for the purpose of shooting and hunting, so did not want a high-condition rifle. I've not had these two to the range yet, and plan to wait until it warms up a bit. The first is full octagon Model 1894 in a solid 80% condition that was made in 1904. I've mounted an original period tang sight. The serial number is 224,924 and it's all original except for the copper blade on the front sight. I don't think Winchester made copper blades as far as I know.
The second is what appears to be a deluxe Model 1894 with fancy wood, H-checkering, button mag, Marbles ivory bead front sight, and a standard Winchester flat-top rear sight. The serial number is 919,419, it was made in 1920, and the barrel date is '20'. Like most 1920's receivers and forehand caps, the blue got lost/flaked very fast. The bore is outstanding, even immediately ahead of the chamber throat. I would rate it at 9+ out of 10, were '10' is reserved for virtually mint rifles. I bought this rifle feeling a little doubtful it was original, since the wood was so nice (except for a tiny chip out of the toe of the buttstock). However, when I took the wood off, it had the usual 100 years of dried oil and crud that one would expect.
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/QKeqC3z.jpg)
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/