Anyone have any idea what variation of Winchester 1894 this is? The sights are throwing me off with the adjustable rear aperture sight in place and what looks to be the rear sight removed. Whats left where the rear sight typically goes is a Marbles base. The barrel is 20 inches long. Also looking for some impartial judges as far as condition goes. Let's hear it! Thanks!
If you enjoyed reading about "Winchester 1894 oddity. Need some help." here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!
Jim K
October 13, 2008, 03:05 PM
That Lyman sight was a factory option on Winchester rifles, though it is more often seen on the Model 1895 than on the Model 1894. They were also installed by gunsmiths, and I am not sure there is a way to tell a factory job from a gunsmith job.
However, the slot blank is a standard commercial product and not Lyman, so it would indicate a gunsmith installation of the receiver sight.
Jim
Jim Watson
October 13, 2008, 03:40 PM
Winchester Model 94 carbine, made 1930.
I agree the sights are aftermarket. I don't think Winchester would have mixed a Lyman #38 peep sight, a Marble's Sheard front bead, and a Marble's dovetail blank.
Meta
October 13, 2008, 04:15 PM
I purchased the rifle from a local estate along with a number of others and am looking to sell it to help offset the cost of the rest of the collection somewhat. The concern I have is that I don't want to be selling it if there is a chance that it's a rare variation factory Winchester. Is there any way to tell for absolutely sure? If it turns out to be a regular 94 with the additional Lyman sight, what would be a fair price to ask in this condition?
Cosmoline
October 13, 2008, 04:18 PM
I would ask over on Paco Kelly's levergun forum. They've always steered me right.
Jim K
October 14, 2008, 08:57 PM
Far from enhancing the value, those sights probably decrease it. My WAG would be a value of around $350-400. It would have been worth more had a previous owner left the saddle ring alone and not installed those sights, but then 20-20 hindsight is easy.
Jim
Meta
October 14, 2008, 11:29 PM
Actually, there was never a saddle ring on the rifle to begin with. It's known as an `eastern carbine' and is essentially a saddle ring carbine without the saddle ring. As for the sights, the Lyman #38 rear was likely an option at the factory or an aftermarket install. Both are possible and not something that you can tell by looking at the sight itself. The fact that the rear sight dovetail looks totally unworn at it's base/groove tells me that there was never a sight installed on it and therefor the #38 adjustable was a factory job. In any case, the experts over at levergun are saying that it's likely worth only $700-$1000 because of the small compass installed in the stock. This dropped the value by at least 20-30%. Anyhow, always good to know exactly what you have! Thanks for all the advice.
Cosmoline
October 14, 2008, 11:47 PM
It sure looks nice, and personally I really like that style of sight. Your big problem right now is the fact that buyers are waiting until the economy settles down. If possible you ought to hold onto it.
If you enjoyed reading about "Winchester 1894 oddity. Need some help." here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!
