Winchester 1894 30 WCF w/Saddle Ring

The gun is 100% original and is in below moderate condition. Anyone know how old this gun is and what the value could be.

Serial # is 571XXX

Matt,

Your rifle is know as a saddle ring carbine configuration and dates to 1911. Based on your description it is probably only going to get $1200 to $1500 from a collector. Condition is what it is all about for these rifles. Maybe a photo or two and I might change the estimate.

Back then they sold for about $20!!

Thanks
2bit

Thanks 2bit. I will get a photo or too. Can I email to you? If I decide to sell do you have a recommendation on how to contact a collector.

Matt,

Send me a private message and I'll send the email.
And I know a lot of collectors. Including me!

2bit

Matt,

Excellent job with the photos. They sure make it easier to assess somebodies elses rifle. You were right about it being below moderate condition. Somebody in the past 98 years decided that buffing off all the finish and probably the rust would be better for it. Along with the finish went about all the value it was going to have. The gumwood stocks are something which is not seen very often. I'll need to check some catalogs at home to see if it was orginal at the time your rifle was made. If not you could pick up some used walnut repacements and bring it back to near original state.

The SSS stamped on the receiver is probably somebodies initials. I can run it by some guys I know who collect ranch marked rifles and see if they are familiar with it. That could be the saving grace for this old girl.

Let me check the wood and initials. Right now I would venture it has slid in value to south of $700.

2bit

Thanks. I appreciate the help. Let me know if anything interesting pops up, other than that I will keep it above the fireplace. Oh, and how can you tell it's been buffed? I just noticed the SS on the barrel next to the caliber too..... Thanks again, Matt

Matt,

The photo is a Model 1894 rifle configuration that is about the same age but in excellent condition. I am betting right about now it is obvious the difference. The sharp edges on the receiver look a bit rounded in your image 002 compared to the one below. Also you can make out the remnant bluing in the protected areas around the rear barrel sight and the ring stud in your photos.

Even when a rifle has been reblued the softness of the edges and the relatively shallow lettering on the upper tang and barrel address is a give away to the rifles past.

The mantle sound like a great spot for it.

2bit

Great Info, and much appreciated. -Matt

Matt,

I did a bit more checking and the gumwood stocks were apparently quite commonly used in Model 1892 and 1894 SRC guns during this time period. Walnut was always used for the sporting rifle configuration. So the stock on your rifle is most likely original to the rifle.

2bit