WinchesterModel 94 lever 25-35 1899

[Blane]

What kind of condition/value would this have? It's mine and not available but just curious if I got hosed or not.

[Dean2]

Long barreled, full mag, octagon barrel, Tang sight, visible screws look to be in good shape, can't see any major damage or cracks to wood, looks to have been made around 1900 but you can verify by checking the serial number. If the bore is as rough as the exterior it is worth about $1000, and only that much because that cartridge is a lot rarer than the 30-30 or 38-55. Also depends if it is marked as Nickel Steel, which means built for smokeless. Gun is not in good enough spape to be a collector piece and if it isn't Nickel steel it really limits the shootability to real low pressure loads.

[Blane]

It is nickel steel. Bore is good. I actually got it too be a shooter so I wasn't too worried bout condition other than safety and reliability. I checked the serial and it appears to be 1899.

[Dean2]

Well if the bore is good and it has the Nickel Steel then you got a great shooter for a gun. The 25-35 makes a wonderful varmint, deer cartridge and even close range Black Bear cartridge with a 120 grain hard cast bullet. Just make sure you load it within the 1894's pressure limits. I know there are higher pressure loads published but I stick to 32,000 CUP or less in the older guns.

So out of curiosity, are you happy with the price you paid?

[Blane]

I am quite happy after what you have told me. I paid $750.00 for it. Is there a factory load you would recommend? I do not have reload equipment for it.

[Blane]

Best pics I could get of the bore.

[Dean2]

If I was shooting factory I would buy Winchester, Prophet River has it, not cheap at about $75 a box. I would NEVER use Hornady Leverlution in an old gun, loaded too hot for my tastes, though it is cheaper. Tradex Canada has Sellier and Bellot 6.5x52R, which is the European designation for the same cartridge at about $30 a box. I have had excellent luck with their ammo. Rem still loads it but I haven't seen any in ages.

Most of the older 25-35s will shoot the heavy bullets but if you are getting keyholing you may have to go to a lighter bullet. All depends on the twist.

All in, I would put together some brass, a set of dies and start loading it myself. WAY cheaper, can load 20 with cast purchased bullets from Bullet Barn for about $12.

[Pioneer2]

Try Jet Bullets out of Wetaskewin as well.
http://www.higginsonpowders.com/imag...ester_2019.pdf

[Pioneer2]

http://www.jetbullets.com/hardcast-rifle-bullets-.html