Found an old Win 1894.....

[Lightsped]

I found an old Winchester 1894. I'd like to learn more about it. It is a Winchester and it says "30 W.C.F." on the left side of the barrel near the receiver. Also has the "Manufacturered by...." text midway down the barrel, and the "Model 1894...." text near the hammer.

What other hints can I look for to determine this rifle's age or other details? Where is the serial number printed?

 

[Lightsped]

Edit, I found the serial number. It is 6492xx and is stamped on the bottom and near the front of the receiver....

 

[336A]

Luckily for you I still have the first Legacy of Leverguns magazine that was published back in 2000. In it it has a list of serial numbers for the various models of Winchester Lever actions Your serial #starting with 6492XX was made in 1913.

The serial numbers for 1913 manufactured rifles started at 646,115 according to the magazine in my hands. The rifles made in 1914 started with serial numbers begining at 703,702.

 

[788Ham]

Where ever you found this "1894", you've found a dandy! .30 W.C.F., is a 30-30 caliber. Enjoy, they aren't made like "those" anymore!

 

[shiftyer1]

oops

 

[Lightsped]

I looked at some photos of various 1894s and the one I found has a stock with a curved buttplate. Most of the ones I have seen are more of a straight buttplate. This one also has a fairly long rounded barrel.....

I'd like to fire this gun, but I doubt it is fully functional. Is there any way to test the functionality without actually firing it?

Thanks for the info.

 

[BrocLuno]

Nice find

Got any pictures?

 

[highorder]

I'd like to fire this gun, but I doubt it is fully functional.

Why? If it passes a function check and the bore is free of obstructions it should be fine.

 

[rcmodel]

I'd like to fire this gun, but I doubt it is fully functional.

Care to elaborate on that?
Why do you think it isn't fully functional?

In all likelyhood, if the lever moves up & down, and the bolt slides back & forth, and the hammer cocks, and you can see daylight through the barrel, it is just fine to fire it.

BTW: Never dry-fire it, IE: Snap the hammer with an empty chamber.
A broken firing pin is likely to result on those old Winchesters.
Then it will not be fully functional!

BTW: Rifles had curved butt-plates.
Carbines had flat butt plates.

Any current 30-30 Win factory ammo is safe in any reasonable condition 1894 Winchester.

rc

 

[hirundo82]

I'd like to fire this gun, but I doubt it is fully functional. Is there any way to test the functionality without actually firing it?

If you're worried about it, you could have it checked by a gunsmith. Any gunsmith worth his salt should be familiar with the M94.

 

[Lightsped]

Here are pics as requested.

 

[BrocLuno]

Well it does need some attention for the long haul like correct receiver screws, etc. 30-30 snap caps are at your local ammo store. They will allow function testing and dry fire without issues

If they function, then the next issue is clean or clear bore, make sure the "hinge" points have a drop of oil and the like. If that's OK, you are good to go. Should be a great deal of fun. That's an oldie, but I'll bet you'll have a blast

Would love to find one like it