Winchester Model 1894 repair information

[asaysail]

I'm posting these questions in the hope that someone can point me in the right direction.

I've inherited a Winchester Model 1894 (1907 manufacture date) chambered in 38-55, with a 26" Octagonal barrel. Unfortunately approximately 7" from the end of the barrel there is a small bulge (pictures below). I know better than to shoot the gun.

I started looking for a replacement barrel, but haven't been able to find one. My local gun repair shop stated that they cannot order a barrel, and all they could do is cut down the barrel by 8" (which I don't want to do since I like the appearance of the 26" barrel and I think an 18" barrel it would throw off the feel and balance of the gun).

This afternoon I e-mailed an online barrel manufacturer, and although they didn't have any barrels, or even make any, for this gun, they suggested that I find a repair shop who could press or file down the bulge, and then reline the barrel (possibly in 30-30 if the walls were then too thin for 38-55).

I'm seeking help in two ways from anyone on the forum; (1) do any of you know where I might be able to get a replacement 38-55 or 30-30, 26" octagonal (or even round) barrel and how much it might cost, or (2) do any of you know a gun repair shop that could press/file down the bulge and reline the barrel and the cost I might expect with that?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me in this area. I know the gun wouldn't be original anymore, but with the bulge I'd consider it fairly worthless anyway. I would really like to keep this guns look intact, as well as be able to use it to hunt on occasion when not using my 30-06.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d84/asaysail/PICT0001-1.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d84/asaysail/PICT0002-1.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d84/asaysail/PICT0003.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d84/asaysail/PICT0004.jpg

[trust me]

Go jump on this right now...

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=86250355

[westkybanded]

My suggestion would be to contact the folks at Turnbull restoration:

http://turnbullrestoration.com/

Doug Turnbull is THE authority on restoring old winchesters. The thing you have to wonder is weather or not the restoration will be worth the money involved. Even a barrel swap with an original is going to cost, and in the end will be worth less than a gun that was in factory condition. If it was something other than a 94, I would think seriously about it, but there were just SO many of them made, it may be cost prohibitive.


This one may have to be religated to wall hanger status unless you're willing to spend some serious cash.

[GunCat]

Give these folks a call:

Buckingham's Winchester Parts Trenton, TN 731-559-4169

If they can provide a barrel you want then send me a PM and I'll hook you up with the fellow who does all my gun work ;) I know he has re-barreled a few model 1894 rifles in the past.

Please keep on mind your rifle is probably worth more (in $$ value) in its current condition than it will be if you alter the barrel, even considering its not currently shootable. Thus is the nature of antique guns and collector appeal