Look what wandered into my basement shop

weasel1

weasel1

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Friend from work handed me this to restore. Wants it fully re-blued and wood matching. I suspect that the butt stock has been replaced at some time (long ago by the looks). I plan on using PJ'S express blue (hot water bluing). The intent is for this to be a really nice wall hanger, so a strip, stain and French polish on the wood. Any advice or just go for it? Its a Winchester 1894 in 32 special if you can't read the info on the one pic.

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I would be tempted to find out the its real value first refinishing a old firearm can sometimes lower the value. It might just be worth more as an unfinished wall hanger than a finished wall hanger.
 
It looks like the wood's been refinished at least a couple of times already. Ugly little crack behind the tang. That little screw shouldn't be set so deep. The other screw that holds the buttstock on needs to be cleaned up.

How does the bore look? If it looks decent it would be a shame to relegate that to wallhanger status.

If I were going to restore it ( and not sure that I would ) I would throw that stock away and get a replacement walnut stock with some decent looking figure.
 
9.3mauser said:
It looks like the wood's been refinished at least a couple of times already. Ugly little crack behind the tang. That little screw shouldn't be set so deep. The other screw that holds the buttstock on needs to be cleaned up.

How does the bore look? If it looks decent it would be a shame to relegate that to wallhanger status.

If I were going to restore it ( and not sure that I would ) I would throw that stock away and get a replacement walnut stock with some decent looking figure.
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I was thinking the same about the finish. Anything I do will only improve the value at this point. Haven't looked at the bore yet, but will shortly. So trying to figure out how to get this all apart. I'm stumped at how to get the bolt out. Trigger is out, lower tang is out, but I'm not sure where to go from there. I think the goal with this is to make it as nice as it can be with what I have. I don't think the owner wants to working for new wood. No matter what, if this is to be used as a wall hanger, it'll be a functional one. Everything I have seen so far has just been really dirty, but all there.
 
You actually might want to get a book or two and review the dis-assembly instructions? I am doing similar with a much newer M94 - but friend bought it new when he was in High school 50 years ago and wants to give to his grand-daughter.
 
Potashminer said:
You actually might want to get a book or two and review the dis-assembly instructions? I am doing similar with a much newer M94 - but friend bought it new when he was in High school 50 years ago and wants to give to his grand-daughter.
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I'd love to.... If I could find one.
 
Serial number is 191217. From what I've found so far, that puts it 1901 or later due to the fact it's a 32WS.

Edit:. All apart now. I missed a pin. Cleanup will begin tomorrow.
 
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That rear sight looks like a carbine or special order sight, not much collector value there , 20 yrs ago maybe these days , the 90%+ guns are bringing huge money, poor are just what ever shooter value may be 400.oo or so , If the bore is great , a bit more, that sight could have some value . A proper vg carbine sight will fetch 2 bills
P.S. I will add, you will not increase the value with a refinish job, unless you like the work, than have at it
 
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weasel1 said:
I'm stumped at how to get the bolt out. Trigger is out, lower tang is out, but I'm not sure where to go from there.
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There is a screw on the top left side of the action. That has to come out. On the opposite side there is a small access hole. You have to drive a pin out, from right to left, and that disconnects the lever from the bolt. Bolt should come out after that if the lower tang and trigger ass'y is off.

The cartridge guides are a problem. The screws are insy's, that is, the screw heads are on the inside of the action. ##### to get out, worse getting them back in.
 
marshall said:
That rear sight looks like a carbine or special order sight, not much collector value there , 20 yrs ago maybe these days , the 90%+ guns are bringing huge money, poor are just what ever shooter value may be 400.oo or so , If the bore is great , a bit more, that sight could have some value . A proper vg carbine sight will fetch 2 bills
P.S. I will add, you will not increase the value with a refinish job, unless you like the work, than have at it
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That rear sight is also missing a piece (s). This is definately a labor of love. I've got most of the stuff and the balls to try. There is one Smith around that does what I do, but I'm sure you guys know, not many are willing to pay what it takes to get it done. I have a real job to feed the family.

Back to the rear sight. I find myself starting at "The Winchester Book" by George Madis (dad got it signed by the author back in the day). I can't find the sight I have in there. I'll try and take a really good pic of it. Would be nice to have that correct before I hand my friend back his rifle.
 
weasel1 said:
That would have been handy. I was saved by YouTube!
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There's two websites listed on the back of that book, meaning it was published within the past 20 years. Check the site, I wouldn't be surprised if you can still get it.
 
That book is still on Amazon.ca - closer to $30 now, with shipping. Just fix the link - https://www. amazon.ca/Winchester-Model-94-Assembly-Handbook/dp/0949749656/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Winchester+94+book&qid=1597843500&sr=8-1
 
I do belief there should be a serial # or part there of inside the wood tang area on the rear stock.
It should match the serial number of the rifle.

I think a tear rolled awf me cheek..............................:sok2
 
kamlooky said:
I do belief there should be a serial # or part there of inside the wood tang area on the rear stock.
It should match the serial number of the rifle.

I think a tear rolled awf me cheek..............................:sok2
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I'll double check, but I didn't notice anything. I'm sure it's a replacement stock. Finishes don't match. Forestock is an oiled finish and the butt is lacquered. It's going to be fun to try and get these two to match.
 
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