1894

Mike Faires · Post by **Mike Faires** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 7:22 am

Have there been any documented factory installations of Weaver scopes. I am considering a 1894 with a period Weaver scope and N5 mount? I have the Brophy book and he discusses some scopes but not Weaver.

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 7:55 pm

As far as I know, there aren't any documented Weaver scope mountings. At the time the Weaver scope company started, the model 1894 was at it's end. Bill Weaver didn't make his first scope until 1930, and really didn't get popular for a few years later. His first scope mounts were offered in around 1934, and the model 1894 was discontinued the next year, so I'd doubt if Marlin would have offered a Weaver scope, or mount.
Marlin's own scope didn't come out until a year after the demise of the original 1894, so none of these were factory either.
If your 1894 is an old one, and doesn't have scope holes drilled in the receiver, I sure wouldn't start now! If it already has holes D&T for a scope, and they fit your Weaver mount, then don't worry about it. Go ahead and mount it up!
Hope this helps.

Mike Faires · Post by **Mike Faires** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 7:07 am

Thanks for the info on Weaver Scopes. Yes it is already drilled and tapped the scope is mounted. Is there anyone who can return the reciever to original condition for a nominal sum?

vrmntcllr · Post by **vrmntcllr** » Tue Jul 05, 2005 1:05 am

Not likely, once holes are drilled in steel the damage is done.

I don't know what the mount looks like on the 1894 but I have an 1897 which was mounted with a Lyman Junior Spot which did not require holes in the receiver, but did add 2 dovetails to barrel. I am cetain it was an after market addition but it looks period appropriate and is actually a very nice addition to the little rifle.

Admitedly, I am keeping my eye out for an old stevens scope or sight tube that dates to the turn of the century.

If the scope looks right on the gun and it's a good deal, leave it. Otherwise you may try to find a period appropriate scope.

Good luck.

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 6:03 pm

Been on vacation, so this is the first chance to reply.
If the holes in the receievr top are non factory, then they can be repaired by a good gunsmith, such as Turnbull's. Before you have them repaired, be certian they aren't the two holes for the Hepburn receiver sight! These holes would be factory, and should be left as is! The Hepburn sight holes are 1.125" apart, at the top rear of the receiver, and none at the top front.
Hope this helps.

vrmntcllr · Post by **vrmntcllr** » Sat Jul 09, 2005 10:20 pm

Marlinman,

Can a good gunsmith really repair a drilled hole in the receiver? I believe that the hole could filled and significantly hidden with a fine case color job but only if the gun is completely restored. Could a gunsmith fill and hide the hole without a restore?

Thanks,
Jeff

Wishbone · Post by **Wishbone** » Sun Jul 17, 2005 9:02 pm

Jeff,
Yes a good smith can repair holes. I had a early Savage Model 1899 Takedown repaired in this manner. The reciever had been drilled for an early scope mount. A very good gunsmith by the name of Norman Johnson filled the holes, and blued to match.

WB

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 8:21 pm

vrmntcllr,
Wishbone is right with blued receivers, or with case colored receivers that are pretty faded. But if the gun has good case colors, the holes can be filled, but it will be nearly impossible to do touchup of the case colors. I have seen people use various dyes, cold blues, etc. to touch up repairs in case colored receivers, and though some were pretty darn good, they still showed as different colored, and gave the repair away.
I feel that sometimes the best thing to do is either find a vintage scope from the early years and mount it on the gun, or put some nice filler screws in. If the gun is very nice, or arare variation, it might be worth fixing the holes.

Mike Faires · Post by **Mike Faires** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 7:07 am

In responce to the question of relative rarity let me describe the gun and the knowledgeable among you can tell how rare it may be. Model 1894, 32-20 cal., 26 inch octagon BBL, take down model, factory sling swivels, Beaches front sight, Rocky Mountain barrel sight, Lyman Tang sight, Weaver scope and N-5 mount. Wood is about 85% with some darkening at the wrist and some varnish wear on the forend, metal is 85% case colors still strong in protected areas bluing still strong fading on mag tube. Tell what you think guys some pictures available but I don't know how to attach them to this forum.

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 6:18 pm

Hi Mike,
Special order length barrel, takedown, and sights. Sounds like a very collectable gun, and I would choose to either leave the Weaver N-% scope mount and scope on it, or simply plug the holes, if it were my gun. The N-5 mounts on the side of the receiver, so it wasn't d&t in the top. It would look presentable with proper plug screws, and display nicely with the right side shown.
Too bad it was d&t for a scope, but I sure wouldn't loose any sleep worrying about it!
I'd enjoy seeing pics, if you wanted to send them to me.
marlinguy@juno.com