Looking for information Model 1894 32 special

[Farmhunter]

I am new to the forum - I found this site while researching this gun - l have a family gun that is an early Model 1894 - and I’ve been researching it to learn about the history. I knew it was older - but I was a little surprised to learn how early. I’ve been reading about the 1st .32 specials in this model - and about the Cody Museum. I’m going to reach out and see about getting a letter - but I wanted to put it out there to see if anyone has knowledge about the time frame, and history 1st so I might know what questions to ask or if there was additional information known to this group that I could follow up on.

The serial number is 186732 so I think it’s one that the Cody Museum could get information on - would you agree? The gun has little original bluing which I see is common- the biggest issue is that someone tried to carve in their own checkering - and that’s always been disappointing


Here are some pictures - would enjoy what this group might have to say about it and what information might be able to be shared - thanks!

[gamekeeper]

Sorry I can't help but welcome to the campfire...
Someone will chip in with information before long.

[Grizz]

that is a hunters rifle. the checkering suggests the owner valued his gun and wanted it to be distinguishable as his in a scabbard or in a stack of rifles. he might be the proverbial one-gun man . . . Just saying, it looks to me that someone really valued THIS rifle.

it's a treasure for sure, thanks for the photos

grizz

[Drawdown]

I'm with Grizz, likely a one rifle hunter, as back in those days, to them their own signature of choice for their rifle was fairly common! It's obviously an early one, and I believe 26" barrel?

[Eddie Southgate]

Made in 1900.

[Farmhunter]

Thanks for the comments - I’ve been back and forth on the actual date in my research with different sources I’ve found. And I think it’s possible that it could be the first year or close to it that .32 WS was offered. Have some of you sent to the Cody museum to get a letter documenting the date and other detail in the last. From what I saw the early serial numbers had good records - so I’m thinking I’ll do that.

[Pat C]

Looks like a solid old rifle . 1903 Is when it was made .I have serial 149,xxx and was shipped June 1902 on factory letter.

[Pat C]

The above date of 1903 is correct as Winchester Arms Collectors uses the polishing room ledger. Thanks to Bert Hartman research. None of the other books are correct on the 1894 . Madis was off in some case 30,000 numbers .

[Farmhunter]

Thanks again for the comments - yes I came up with dates 1900-1903 depending on the source. Always cherished the gun, I’ve shot it a few times and would like to take a deer with it some day. Really enjoy learning about the gun history, the caliber, and the resources out there like this forum.

[Pat C]

Here is the letter on 149041 as you see serial applied June 1902.some years back Bert Hartman and Larry Shenum discovered that the polishing room records were when the numbers were applied . Winchester Collectors Association now uses this ledger for online database.

[AJMD429]

.
I stand corrected (was thinking factory ammo likely not available) but IT IS...! - https://ammoseek.com/ammo/32-winchester-special

Just be sure to use 'vintage' loads and not some modern 'Ruger Only' type stuff. As long as the bore is 'reasonable' hard cast lead should perform well without harming the gun.

Brass still available too - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1023237882?pid=103376

....hmmmm....now I'm thinking a) brass available, and even b) ammo available, and c) it's a levergun cartridge....so....I NEED a 32 Special levergun...!

I can't possibly complete my real-world needs for putting meat on the table with just a 30-30 Win, 357 Mag, 375 Win, 44 Mag, 444 Marlin, and 45 Colt...I need something to bridge the obvious gap, right...??? That's what I'll tell the wife - "Honey, I don't want our kids to go hungry, so I ordered me a new levergun..." (Of course our kids are all moved out and independent, but that's just a pesky detail...)

[cj57]

Nice old 94, I like the button mag, it was a popular special order item on both rifles and carbines. Some old gent personalized it with the checking, that's ok as it isn't a high condition closet queen, I have an old Marlin 94 that was personalized with small ivory inlays in stock and forearm, adds character!!

[AJMD429]

Nice old 94, I like the button mag, it was a popular special order item on both rifles and carbines. Some old gent personalized it with the checking, that's ok as it isn't a high condition closet queen, I have an old Marlin 94 that was personalized with small ivory inlays in stock and forearm, adds character!!

Yeah - an 'investment' gun must need be pristine, but if I had one I'd sell it right away, as otherwise it would sit in the safe not-to-be-scratched.
A gun like this one looks to be an 'heirloom' gun, where 'character marks' are part of the STORY that the gun can tell, and that you may someday add to either by some customization of your own, or that big scratch in the stock from the bear that almost ate you...

[Eddie Southgate]

According to Winchester the last serial number for 1899 was 183371 and the last number for 1900 was 204427 . This number being 186732 falls between making this a 1900 rifle according to Winchester.






https://www.winchesterguns.com/content/ ... -dates.pdf

[Pat C]

According to Winchester the last serial number for 1899 was 183371 and the last number for 1900 was 204427 . This number being 186732 falls between making this a 1900 rifle according to Winchester.

Eddie, That information unfortunately is incorrect as far as the 1894 rifle is concerned.

A number of years ago it was discovered that most of the serial number dates for the 1894 were incorrect Bert Hartman spent an enormous amount of time researching at Cody Firearms museum. These polishing room records are where the serial number data was recorded.

Cody Firearms museum uses these polishing room records .
See the above factory letter I posted above .

Winchester Collectors Association also uses Cody database polishing room records.

Both rifles you posted numbers on are from 1903

My rifle above with factory letter sn 149041 was made June 10th 1902.





https://www.winchesterguns.com/content/ ... -dates.pdf

[Pat C]

The only accurate serial database is from Cody museum which is avaliable curtesy of Winchester Arms Collectors Association.

Bert Hartman and Larry Shenum also have a book that has same database info.

https://winchestercollector.org/dates/

[Farmhunter]

Thank you all for the comments - I’ve learned a good bit about the gun from you all. And I’ve came to really appreciate the model 1894. I didn’t know what a “button Mag” was - and I looked that up and enjoyed learning about that too. I did wonder why mine didn’t have the tube extended - even a little - now I know - thank you!

I’ll keep on reading and learning. I’ll send for the letter to Cody - thank you so much for sharing one with me!

I always wanted to take a deer with it just once - now I think it’s a real goal for me.

I’ve always had a collecting bug in many areas- bottles, cast iron, shed antlers, old bullet boxes/ammo, and more.

[Farmhunter]

Also - yes a 26” barrel - and speaking of ammunition- I guess I need to learn what is safe to shoot in it. The only I’ve shot out of it was what I think is 1970’s Winchester 170 grain my dad gave me - and is the same box I remember as a kid.
So any advice is appreciated- do I need to look for reduced pressure or vintage ammunition? I’ll read more up on it but I appreciate your advice.

[Pat C]

This barrel should be marked Nickel Steel on top side if original. It's safe with any factory loads.

[Farmhunter]

Yes it is marked Nickel Steel - thank you!

[LeverGunner]

Howdy and welcome. Neat old rifle, thanks for sharing. I would want to handload and cast for it, but wouldn't eschew factory ammo.

[Farmhunter]

Thank you!

[lthardman]

I have three Winchester Model 1894's chambered in .32 Winchester Special. Two of mine were manufactured in the 1940's, one in the 1950's. For what it's worth, I really like almost everything about the .32 Winchester Special. It is a nice upgrade from the .30-30 in terms of power. That said, the cost of .32 Winchester Special is a serious drawback vs the .30 - 30. As you will soon find out.

[348win]

I have three Winchester Model 1894's chambered in .32 Winchester Special. Two of mine were manufactured in the 1940's, one in the 1950's. For what it's worth, I really like almost everything about the .32 Winchester Special. It is a nice upgrade from the .30-30 in terms of power. That said, the cost of .32 Winchester Special is a serious drawback vs the .30 - 30. As you will soon find out.

Care to expand on experience where you have noted the upgrade in terms of power

Interesting

[veeman]

Starline has 32 Special available right now, so get it while you can.
https://www.starlinebrass.com/32-winche ... cial-brass

[lthardman]

I have three Winchester Model 1894's chambered in .32 Winchester Special. Two of mine were manufactured in the 1940's, one in the 1950's. For what it's worth, I really like almost everything about the .32 Winchester Special. It is a nice upgrade from the .30-30 in terms of power. That said, the cost of .32 Winchester Special is a serious drawback vs the .30 - 30. As you will soon find out.

Care to expand on experience where you have noted the upgrade in terms of power

Interesting

Where I hunt Whitetail Deer, it is a bit hilly and heavily wooded. The shooters that I see are usually less than 100 yards away. The .32 Winchester Special has more energy and makes bigger holes than the .30-30 for that kind of hunting. I have not scientifically measured this. At long distances, the .30 - 30 may actually be better.

That said, I view the two cartridges as being fairly equal overall. When I acquired the three rifles I have that are chambered in .32 Wichester Special, I bought the rifle not the cartridge. If they had been chambered in .30 - 30, I would have still bought them.