First post here so Hi Everyone!

I've owned several run of the mill Win 1894's over the years, all basically truck guns and meat in the pot guns. I've always appreciated the older more collectable ones but never had the deep pockets required. Currently own a 1894AE Trapper in .44Mag as well....anyway, heres the gist of my question:

Picked up a what I think is a real deal at an estate sale in Saskatchewan the other week. It's a 100% original finish Winchester 1894 saddle ring carbine in .25-35. with a serial number in the 275,000 range. According to my Winchester book, this is 1903 production. The only problem is the tock...both pieces are very dark walnut. The forestock is cracked lengthwise (not really an issue) with a couple of nicks. The rear wood is perfect, no gouges or blems whatsoever. But it's shrunk a HUGE amount, as though it's
been kept for the last 90 years in a very hot and dry area. It's a good 1/4" away for the tang, buttplate etc all around. Any ideas on what to do, if anything? Still think it's a good deal as I paid $675Cdn for this gun. I know it's not the rarest, but it is in amazing original condition with mint internals and barrel.

If it were me, I'd remove and save the original wood and see if I couldn't buy some replacement stocks from an online dealer (and I'd shoot the gun a lot!) You might be able to repair the split wood with a good glue and some of the more experienced may know how to get the old timber back into shape. Good luck and welcom to the group.

Lenny

I did stock work for years and seen all kinds of stock problems but I've never seen a stock shrink as much as you say yours has. I wonder if it wasn't sanded down.

I'd look for original replacements too.