1894 38-55 info needed

[Buckeyes an]

I have this gun that was a Christmas gift from my mother in law back in 1986. I know that it was my wife grandfather's gun, but not sure how he came about getting it as he was in his late teens around the time I think this gun was manufactured. Could have been his father's but nobody knows.

This gun was one of only 5 guns out of about 20 that were away from the house in the early 80's when it burned down. It is going to be passed down to my daughter as it is a family heirloom. It has killed many deer in it's lifetime, but I have never shot it myself.

I am looking to update insurance on the gun if it is worth more than a tomato stake and ask what rough value it may have (I will get it appraised if worth it). I think by looking at the on line it was produced around 1895.

Thanks in advance for any help or information

[Buckeyes an]

having a problem downloading the pictures. Don't know if it is from this new computer (W-7 vs. XP) or not knowing how to upload on this site. Will post pictures when/if I figure it out

[m&p45acp10+1]

To post pictures on this site you will need to use a hosting site. Photobucket is a good one. Sign up on photobucket. It will have a place to click to upload your pics. After uploading copy the IMG code, and pasted it to a respose here, and the image will display on the screen.

[Malamute]

Value can vary depending on a number of elements. They made standard configurations of guns, and offered special order features. Anything unusual adds to the value, most modifications tend to reduce value. Original condition generally adds, poorly done "clean ups" tend to reduce the value. A refinish generally drops the value considerably unless done by the factory, or a very good gunsmith. (The vast majority dont fit in this class) Percentage of original finish has a big influence on value.

It's hard to simply say "X model" is worth this much without knowing quite a lot more about the particular gun in question. It's also possible to get a factory letter stating any known characteristics of the gun, which can affect the value tremendounsly if it has any unsual or special order features. The Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody Wy has the factory records and can research and send a letter for a price ($40 or so?) if the gun shows reason to document it.

Good clear pics will help quite a lot in making the next step in figuring out what condition is or special features it may have, and get a start on determining a value.

[Tom Matiska]

1895 vintge raises the possiblity of a black powder era soft steel barrel. If you fall in love with shooting it you may want to feed it cast loads. Today's harder jackets can accelerate rifling wear.