Page 1 of 1

Took the 'Klondike' out today

Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2019 7:34 pm
by Mistered
Took my 1899 Mod 94 out today - after a couple shots and a bit of sight adjustment I was bouncing pine cones at a 100 yards.
It is an interesting feeling to take a 120 year old rifle out shooting - if it could only talk as the story goes - but unfortunately due to the condition of it I think it spent most of it time in a closet (the last 50 years anyway) as opposed to anything exciting or historic.
Still it is unique to own Winchester Ser # 149XXX ! - of the seven million ultimately produced!

Re: Took the 'Klondike' out today

Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2019 7:52 pm
by North Country Gal
Right you are about wondering what an old gun could tell us if it could talk. Get that feeling with all our vintage guns. Also love shooting guns that were made in a very different era, using different production techniques and a philosophy. Guns back then were obviously made to last a lifetime or more.

Re: Took the 'Klondike' out today

Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2019 7:55 pm
by Mistered
Guns back then were obviously made to last a lifetime or more.
Yep - it is smoother cycling than my 60's era Winchesters.

Re: Took the 'Klondike' out today

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 3:47 pm
by cooperhawk
I've got a 1892 Marlin in 32 Long Colt that I shoot quite often. You're right about those old guns being made well. When I found this rifle it was in a gun shop up on the Blue Ridge and had been shellacked and I suppose hung over a mantle for years. I got it pretty cheap and carefully removed the shellack and cleaned up. It shoot great and is a lot of fun, kinda like shooting a great big 22. Can't find bullets for it anymore, so I load them. I would love to know the history of the gun.

I am very happy that Henry is making quality lever guns again. I do have a penchant for them.

Re: Took the 'Klondike' out today

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 5:31 pm
by Mistered
My 1899 mod 94 had been owned by a co-worker who inherited his dads guns.
He did not have any particular attachment to it but I had something HE wanted so after an assessment of value by a couple of Winchester collectors we struck a deal.
I had always been wanting some sort of vintage Winchester and had been looking off an on over the years. I had actually wanted one in .25-35 but could never find one in in both good condition and price.
In reality however I am glad I got this one as I like the longer, octagon barrels and I already had 30-30 brass & components so I did not have to collect up for a new caliber.
The early model 94 ‘sporting’ rifles are not particularly rare so I had that to my advantage. Interestingly it’s the early carbines that are rare with 1930s era and earlier being the most rare - and very few pre-1900s ever being found.