winchester .38

[johnhardt03]

I recently remembered I have an old rifle at home that my grandfather gave to me....its an old winchester, really cool but its a 38... Ihave never considered deer hunting with it, but I have heard of people using lighter guns and a friend of mine is trying to convince me to use it....anyone have any thoughts on this....

[Bees]

If your rifle is a Winchester 94 and chambered in 38-55, and in safe shooting condition, I would say you have a great deer gun there. Powerwise, somewhere between 30/30 and 45/70. Im not sure about availability of ammo though, you should be able to reload or find reloaded ammo I think. I wouldnt be surprised if the cowboy shooters (CAS) shoot this round in there matches. I cant think off hand what other type of gun you might have there. You got anymore info?
regards,
Bees
-------
Well I spoke too soon, looking at the ballistic tables, my feeling is that the 38-55 was an adequate deer cartridge out to 100yd. I know that this cartridge was a popular cartridge in the eastern deer camps prior to WWII. If it worked for them then, it would work adequately now. I wouldnt call it "great" however.



[Edited by Bees on 08-17-2001 at 07:09 AM]

[yotebuster]

The 38/40 is a pretty common sight in the 1892,but would make a marginal deer-rifle!The 38/55 in the 1894 would make a great deer rifle!

[johnhardt03]

This is a winchester model 1873 .38 caliber.
How about that one...I havent tried to but ammo for it but you think I might have a problem?Thanks guys fo the info.......JB

[Bees]

Well if you are pulling our legs here, good for you. If you honestly have a '73 in good condition you should check out this web site. http://www.merzantique.com/sell/winch73.html

I would venture it is a 38-40 cal. and like yote said it is a marginal deerslayer caliber, and Im not sure if it would be safe to shoot with smokeless powder. If it were me, I would get an opinion from a competent gunsmith that works with antique arms and also from an appraisor.

best regards,
Bees

[johnhardt03]

You know I feel like kind of an idiot...I did know that it might be something...but you know...I have lots of guns...but I am a hunter, not a gun collector or expert...so anyway... I really appreciate the tips and I think I will leave it the gun cabinet, until I can take it somewhere to have someone look at it.....thanks again for all your help.....JB

[Bees]

Well congratulations on owning a piece of history like that. Your grandfather must have thought very well of you.
If you ever decide to part with the gun, Im sure there are collectors who would be interested. Also, cowboy action shooters would love to get their hands on it I would think.

best regards,
Bees

[yotebuster]

I have a Remington rolling-block 44/40 carbine that was passed down to me from my papa.It was the rifle I took my first deer with and is sitting above the mantel now behind glass!Whatever you do hold onto your gun and keep it to pass down to the next line!