30 WCF load in vogue when the rifle was made. That was fairly close ballistically to the original 160-grain/1,970 fps. In deference to its age, I shot the rifle with Hornady Custom Lite 150-grain InterLocks, which clocked 2,100 fps. It could also be had with a round barrel in 24-inch length as well as in takedown configuration. 30 WCF (Winchester Center Fire), as the cartridge was then known. During its 1894-98 production run, it was chambered to. The carbine was of 1964 vintage, and I was able to shoot it alongside an 1897-vintage 26-inch octagonal barreled rifle. (RifleShooter photo) 1964 VIntage Model 94 The 1897-vintage Model 1894 rifle was chambered to many cartridges. When you stop to consider the production lifespan of most hunting rifles, this in itself is something beyond remarkable. I recently had the opportunity to shoot two versions of Winchester’s classic that were made 67 years apart. But it’s easy to forget there were different variations of the Model 94 platform that didn’t exactly fit the description of saddle gun. Most of us are familiar with the carbine version-20-inch barrel, full- length magazine, 6.5-pound weight. Designed by John Browning, it was the first smokeless “high powered” American sporting rifle, with more than 7.5 million made. The Model 94’s credentials need nothing in the way of embellishment. After a couple of years with a 336 Marlin, I finally laid hold of a Model 94 and fell instantly in love with its slimmer, sexier lines. Pretty sure I could do it, but maybe someone might come along that wants an original.No knock on Marlin, but say “deer rifle” and most folks will envision Winchester’s ubiquitous straight-gripped carbine Model 94. As for the take off stock, it was very plain, straight grain walnut, but has a nice color, and since then (about 20 years ago? ) I've thought that it might be a challenge to turn the original "canoe paddle" into a regular stock. Actually, I wouldn't say that it would be the last rifle I'd part with, but it would certainly be the last lever action I'd part with. The whole job looked just great, and it shot well, so I kept it. I reblued it, but to less of a gloss than the original finish, maybe about 320 grit. The way I came about this one was that a customer ordered it, and when it came in it had a bad scratch on the right left side of the receiver and the customer turned it down. I finished it up with a rubber butt pad and a semi-gloss finish. ![]() When it came it was a bit nicer that I thought it would be, and nicely matched the forearm. I ordered a semi-inlet from Boyd's and specified semi-fancy grain. 38-55 mould, with IMR 3031 as my powder of choice. I gather these are sort of rare nowadays. Incidentally, I - along with it - purchased (and never shot) five boxes of Winchester BB. In any case, you may rest assured it was made in 1978. I believe my info came - the latter from my receipt, with the former date from lady who ran the gun shop from whence I made the purchase. This is contrary to Post #2 - and he may very well be correct. 375 Winchester Xtra Big Bore similar to yours, bearing serial number - ready for this ? - BB0431xx - indicating mine most likely came off the assembly line roughly but three hundred rifles before yours! According to my notes, I purchased it in September of 1978 and it was manufactured in April of the same year. Hey gents, ive tried some searches but found misleading info regarding the big bore model, could anyone shine a light on what year this particular model 94 BB was made?
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