Winchester 1894 in bad condition - From 1897

[2500]

I was just given a Winchester 94 with a serial number from 1897 (100 000). It was improperly stored and is badly rusted. What should I do with this? At this point I don't think it's worth trying to keep it in original condition. I'd like to get it back to a state where it can be shot. I was thinking of tearing it down and giving all the metal parts a vinegar bath to get rid of the rust, and just oiling the wood. What do you guys think?

 

[tiriaq]

Instead of messing with vinegar, disassemble the rifle and boil it in water. This will result in a conversion process, the red iron oxide being converted to black. Go to Youtube and look for Mark Novak's videos.

 

[oneadam12]

Yep boil it and it will turn black then a light brush with some steel wool. Voila rust bluing. I brazed up a trough for the long pieces out of an old auger tube and some plate. Big propane torch will get it hot enough eventually.

Can’t tell much about the wood from the picture but I wouldn’t hesitate to replace it if it’s cracked badly.

Just curious what caliber?

 

[cosmic]

The condition of the bore may be the ultimate determinant about restoring and shooting it.

 

[oneadam12]

The condition of the bore may be the ultimate determinant about restoring and shooting it.

I have been amazed what some tubes can look like and shoot cast like new. If this is a medium bore or something I would go for it regardless.

 

[tokguy]

I've got a 38-55 where the rifling is so poor that it is a suggestion.
Run a fast powder and PL bullets...it'll never be better than new...but it'll shoot. But my old 38-55 has put about 6-7 deer in the freezer.
Best shot was about 275 paces ( admitting that I placed the 1st shot poorly and had to do the long shot to put it on the ground).

 

[B_noser]

Steaming will have the same effect as boiling. I use a vertical steam box on a pot of water on a turkey fryer to convert. Use nothing coarser than 0000 or 000 steel wool and go lightly. The result might be surprisingly good.

 

[cooey43]

I found a Winchester 1886 under the floor boards of a log cabin which had no roof
@ the time. It was foofless for years & looked like this 94.
I made a ,,,, FLOOR LAMP ,,,, out of it leaving finish "AS FOUND" . Glad I did not
screw with the finish. As Found was good.

 

[sean69]

Steaming will have the same effect as boiling. I use a vertical steam box on a pot of water on a turkey fryer to convert. Use nothing coarser than 0000 or 000 steel wool and go lightly. The result might be surprisingly good.

https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/power-tools/110936-earlex-steam-generator?item=03K0315

I use one of these and some 4" PVC... I find there is quite a temperature difference from top to bottom when using it vertical - particularly with long barrels 38" +

 

[2500]

Great advice guys, thanks! I will disassemble it and boil (steam) it as suggested, then go at it with very fine steel wool. It's a 30-30. I won't be using it for hunting so it doesn't need to shoot that well. I'm in a different country right now and believe it or not, this was given to me as a temporary home defence gun until I get my hands on a 12ga, which means I'm very unlikely to ever use it at all, and if I do "use" it, the sight/sound of it is likely to be enough of a deterrent. I'd like to give it back to the person who gave it to me in better condition, especially since he didn't know it was an antique.

 

[antiqueguy]

Steam it clean it up if it was a pistol caliber I would say reline it but it is not.