Thread: My Grandfathers Model 94

My Grandfather had promised me this Rifle as a wedding gift. Unfortunately, he died when I was 17. My Grandmother Gave me many things of his in the following months. Two of those things were a Rockwell full sized lathe, and his Winchester model 94.

It wasn't until this year that I decided that I NEED to shoot this thing, and couldn't understand why I hadn't decided to do it a lot sooner. Here's a bit of History on the gun. It's a Winchester model 94 Chambered in .32ws. It has a 21 3/4" Octagon barrel with a 6 round magazine tube. The serial number puts the date of manufacture at 1907, which generously fits it into the category of a Pre64. I believe everything is original except the Butt stock.

Wally Fuller, my grandfather, was the manager of the Tllsonburg CIBC back in the 60's and received the gun from the retiring manager before him. My Grandmother believes that Wally never shot it the entire time he had it. If I know my Grandpa like I think I do, that's completely false.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to finally shoot it. Was able to track down the elusive caliber at a local gun shop and paid $78 for 40 rounds.

One of my coworkers has a 100yrd shooting range that he invited me out to which made my dream come true. After the first shot, and seeing a puff of dirt only inches beside a stationary clay pigeon, I was smiling. I believe my words were, "It shot straight! And holy shit, pass me those ear muffs!" Once I had a feel for the gun I was picking them off left and right. It was a great day, but not a cheap day. But hell, it was worth every penny and time to shoot old Wallys gun.

Nice gift from your Grandfather. One of my favorite guns to shoot. Comfortable against the shoulder, open sights and deadly accurate. I'm sure your Grandfather was smiling when you pulled the trigger.

Sweet! Brings back a memory 10 years or so, I finally got my mom to give me my grandfather's 16 Belgian Browning.
Needed a reblue due to rust and a butt-plate as the thing had been leaning up in a corner stuffed in a case. Razor beetles love horn buttplates! Found an old plate and had a local guy disassemble and sent out for rust removal and hot-tanking.
One day, I took it to the trap range. Full choke, I proceeded to slay some trap in a fine manner. Most expensive rounds I ever shot at trap. Well worth it. Need to do it again some day. Good that you have it and especially good you use it. Nice rifle! Have fun!

When that carbine was made I am pretty sure you could custom order a 94 with any number of options from butt stock styles straight or pistol grip, barrel length round or octagon, type of sights and you get the picture. I am almost positive your carbine is all original. As originally made the butt stock and fore end grip where they meet the receiver were fitted proud of the metal. A lot of people when they replaced those pieces fitted them flush with the metal so you can sometimes tell if the wood is original or not by that. Nice figuring in the butt stock too. I would research the carbine a bit more paying attention to it's configuration and that particular rear sight. Aside from it's huge sentimental value you may have an unusual 94 also.

Bob

I should add that I hope you saved that brass for reloading. Also iirc correctly the 32 Special was one of the first smokeless rounds offered.

Bob

A rare pce with the octagon Barrel,nice wood also,Congrats

What Caliber Is it?

Beautiful rifle! I hope you cleaned her well. That would be a wondddderful gift for your grandson....

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

What Caliber Is it?

.32ws or .32winchester special.


This is part of the reason I believe it not to be original. Plastic Butt plate labeled Remington.





I think the Butt stock had been refinished at some point. If you can see in the last pic here, they've slopped finish on part of the receiver.

Did a little looking around and if the Remington butt plate is not enough to make the butt stock a replacement the straight lever and tang are for a straight grip butt stock. Factory pistol grip stocks were fitted to receivers with a slight curve to the tang and the lever has a slight curve to match. Still a wonderful looking rifle with some unique features. Got too excited when I saw it and I think carbines were 18 inch barrels or less.

Bob

That's awesome Andrew
I only wish I had gotten my paws on my gramp's firearms
I'm sure he did smile down on you.
What a thing to be able to cherish and pass down.
Shoot it in good health and memories
Mike