Thinking of Buying Winchester '94 in 38-55

[Retreever]

I'd like to get an older one maybe even an antique but still something I could shoot regularly.

Looking for advise, comments, feedback on what I should be on the look out for? What are some of the questions I should be asking etc etc?

Thanks
Retreever

[Captainkirk]

I'd like to get an older one maybe even an antique but still something I could shoot regularly.

Looking for advise, comments, feedback on what I should be on the look out for? What are some of the questions I should be asking etc etc?

Thanks
Retreever

The guy to ask would be Scooby, but he hasn't been around much as of late. You might try shooting him a PM?

[mazo kid]

Or you could PM me and I will give you his email address or phone number.

[Retreever]

So this came home with me today - Winchester Model 1884 chambered in .38-55. The serial number says she was made in 1897. Action is smooth and tight , the bore while not bright and shiny (let's see how shiny you'd be after 125 years ) has no visible pitting and rifling is still sharp. 26" round barrel, I really wanted the octagon but you just don't find a lot of them at a reasonable price. Just ordered new dies, brass and bullets - can't wait to take her to the range.

Retreever

[mazo kid]

That is nice, very nice!

[ShotgunDave]

Nicely done Retreever!! That is a beautiful old girl.

[Captainkirk]

Beautiful example of a "survivor". Wish that old girl could talk...man, the stories I'll bet she could tell!

[Retreever]

Thanks guys, it was complete fluke I found her. I was at my gunsmith to pick up an 1881 Remington Rolling Block 45-70 he was doing some work on for me. While I was waiting I just naturally gravitated to the used gun counter and perused the guns on offer. I immediately saw the 1884 but assumed it was a 30-30 which is the typical caliber around here. The guy at the counter asked me if he could help and I said what have you got in 38-55 , he stopped for a minute then said the only thing I have in that caliber would be this old Winchester and turned and grabbed the 1884. Very calmly, I said, mind if I take a look and he passed her to me - checked the serial number first, all good then checked the action still tight but smooth last thing was to check the barrel - a little dirty but no visible pitting and the rifling looked good. So then it was time to check the price tag - $995.00CAD (~$750.00USD) - the rest as they say was history.

Retreever

[Captainkirk]

Great story with an even better ending! You found a real gem there!

[ShotgunDave]

That's awesome. Right place, right time.

[Hawg]

That was a good price. My LGS sometimes gets in 73's and 92's. Most of them are rust buckets for over 1000.

[mazo kid]

I wish we still had a gun shop in our immediate vicinity. The last one closed up about 2 years ago, was only 5 miles away. There may be some used guns at small local FFL holders, but they don't advertise.

[Hawg]

My LGS is pretty good on prices usually but man he's proud of those 73's and 92's. On the other hand there's one not too far from him and his prices are even higher. 2000 + for a pitted all to hell 87 Winchester.

[Retreever]

First Range Day  -

[Miguel Loco]

Now that's just awesome! The price on any of those old lever guns has gone through the roof. I've hit at least 6 different gun shows in a 500 mile radius....and at every one....they are priced through the roof.

You don't see many 38-55, so that's a real score.....and a great looking rifle to boot! You got a hell of a deal.