Winchester M1894 (.38-55) Safe to shoot?

StrelokM38

StrelokM38

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Hey there. I have a Winchester M1894 rifle in .38-55, and it was made in 1897. It has a 22" hex barrel.

The gun is in great condition, and the bore looks clean from what I can see. I'm just curious if these things are still safe to shoot on modern loads. And if not, whether a lighter-loaded .38-55 would work.

Thanks!
 
If it's nickel steel, sure. I've got two. Get it inspected if you don't feel comfortable of course.
Factory winchester loads are...mild...freaking Joke? LOL. Like 1000 fps. Sound like a screen door slamming.
Never, ever , ever .375 Win thoughG:
 
I have one that is a year older than yours and I've fired many hundreds of rounds through it. If it locks up tight and there are no obstructions in the barrel, it will be fine. Factory ammo is very mild. Even milder than the original loads.
 
Thanks for the information! I guess I shouldn't be surprised that modern ammo is chucked down a bit. Good for me though!

Found a place in town that sells ammunition. Gonna go pick up a box and an SKS for ####s and giggles.

Thanks! Will make a video soon. The thing hasn't been shot for probably 40 years
 
That factory ammo is marginal for hunting.
About 4 years ago I shot a WT buck at just past 110 paces...5 times. As I laid a hand on his antler to cut his throat , he go up and hobbled away!
0 hydrostatic shock. Awe inspiring if you hit a main joint, looks like the hand of God swatted the deer. But don't hit a main bone or put one directly in the Boiler room...better have more ammo or a lunch. Because you'll wait a long time for the deer to expire.
 
Yeah, I have no interest in hunting. But I'm certain the paper target menace will falter beneath the might and ferocity of the modern load. Haha.

Thanks again!
 
Don't believe those guys,, I wouldn't shoot it if I were you and you should probably get rid of it , and it just so happens I am looking for a wall hanger for my manland room soooo, how does $150 sound!! Laugh2
 
bobdbldr said:
Don't believe those guys,, I wouldn't shoot it if I were you and you should probably get rid of it , and it just so happens I am looking for a wall hanger for my manland room soooo, how does $150 sound!! Laugh2
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You guys :bsFlag: I would like that too $175.00 so what you got there strenlo, cut off rifle , lets see some pics. Black powder hunting --38-55 you might learn to like it, just like ### got to try it :)
 
+1 what Tokguy said. I sure hope your 1897 `94 in .38-55 is safe - I've put hundreds of rounds through mine. Same year, even. I use a 240-grain cast lead bullet from The Bullet Barn on top of 18-20 grains of A110 powder. Good enough to penetrate 8" of dried pine tree stump.

Have fun!
 
BSA Jack said:
You guys :bsFlag: I would like that too $175.00 so what you got there strenlo, cut off rifle , lets see some pics. Black powder hunting --38-55 you might learn to like it, just like ### got to try it :)
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Got any pics? Might not be a cut-off rifle. It is old enough to get a factory letter. Winchester would give the buyer just about anything he wanted as far as options go. How far from the muzzle is the front sight dovetail? Is the muzzle flat or crowned? Any obvious hacksaw or file marks on the muzzle? Just wondering.
 
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