Classic 1894 carbine

[Pat C]

Spanning three of the variations of the classic 1894 carbine.
Left to right: 1903 SRC 32 WS , 1936 30 WCF , 1948 30 WCF
The changes occurring in this time period to include phasing out SRC buttstock, saddle ring, post front sight,carbine rear sight.

The 1936 still has carbine buttstock but transitioned to no saddlering and rifle rear sight ,ramp front.

The 1948 post war changes to flat buttplate checkered steel and the simplified rear tang inlet to stock.

Lots of polishing detail begins to change during this era ,less detail given but varies due to skill and pride of particular worker.

Changes occurring to include switching from charcoal /furnace bluing,rust bluing,color case to the hot dip DuLite bluing of 1938 .

[Ray]

Most interesting. I am amazed at the knowledge of you serious collectors.

I know there are quite a few .32 special fans here. I have often suspected that all things being equal (170gr. vs. 170gr.), the .32 offers more "slap" than the .30. Compared side by side in strong light, the .32 meplat is obviously more visibly blunter/wider in profile than the mere .013" difference in diameter.

[FLINT]

Very cool!

[Pat C]

Two other changes that occurred was the switch from Nickel Steel barrels to Winchester Proof steel in the 1920's
Also early 1900's Winchester switched to Gum Wood on 1894 and 1892 carbines then back to walnut again

During the period right before WW2 many transitional carbines were made resulting in many unusual carbines .