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I first handled a Winchester 1894 a few years ago. It was sitting all alone in the back of my Granpa’s gunsafe and I asked about it. I’m not sure how old the rifle was, but it had definately seen its fair share of use.

When I finally picked it up, and held the stock up to my cheek, the rifle damn near aimed itself. Dispite being in less than 10% condition with regards to remaining finish, and stock wear, the action was smooth as glass, and the trigger pull was great as far as I’m concerned. I knew right then and there, without ever even firing one, that an 1894 would make its way into my collection.

Fast forward to mid-June 2003, and I’m in Collector’s Firearms of Houston, TX. Usually I only go to drool, and I wasn’t even planning on purchasing anything. I walked past the rack of lever guns, and this one rifle in particular practically yelled at me when I walked by. I picked it up, took a look down the bore with a light, worked the action some, and tested the trigger. About an hour later, I left the store having completely blown the paycheck I recieved only hours earlier, and with the Winchester 1894, in .30-30 Winchster that is pictured below.

A few days after I bought the rifle, I took it out to the range and ran 20 rounds of Remington Core-Lokt 170gr hollowpoints through it. The gun flat grouped. Not having windage adjustment doesn’t matter with this gun, it hits where you point it. I only shot at 50 yards my first time out with it, and was able to hold sub 1″ groups at varied elevations (I was messing with the elevation ladder) while shooting offhand. Color me impressed.