Winchester Rifle Cal .44 WCF Model 94 44-40 First test fire

Winchester Rifle Cal .44 WCF model 94 44-40 Little Big Horn Centennial lever action. First time test firing of this gun found in a 44 gal drum at an auction of a deceased estate. Gun was hidden inside a drum full of hessian bags,, along with another rifle. Both were handed in with only this Centennial rifle being claimed the other was destroyed. Test includes faults with chambering ammunition most likely from inexperience with this rifle as it is the first time it has ever been loaded whilst in my posession

[@iowa_lot_to_travel9471]

As Mr. Guns n Gear says: need that in my life

[@barryjohn6297]

its perfect for on the Tractor as it still hassome hitting power without the kick of the 30/30

[@CowboyAxe]

I have the same one, Little Big Horn memorial, it was sold in 1976 here in Canada.

[@barryjohn6297]

you wouldn't happen to know what it was worth as new

[@CowboyAxe]

@@barryjohn6297 My Dad bought it used in 1979 and later he gave it to me, I cannot recall the price I was only small, but if you want the value, you can check the Gun Digest of modern gun values, then do the conversion for your countries currency.

[@CowboyAxe]

@@barryjohn6297 The link is safe, that might include the price with box, book and the 50 rounds of 44-40 sold with original. I hope it helps.

[@josuajos-kh2lt]

indonesia menyapa

[@barryjohn6297]

What kind of game hunting do you participate in, there in Indonesia

[@steelgila]

Wow what a gorgeous 94. I read some where years ago that Winchester marketed a bunch of .44-40 M94s to Australia in the 1970s. I've only run across one in the states here and it wasn't a fancy commemorative like yours. Is that really MagTech cowboy ammo you're shootin' there? Sounds like some pretty stout huntin' handloads from my house!

[@barryjohn6297]

Thats interesting to know, yes Magtech 225 grain l-Flat projectile. I feel to heavy a projectile as it doesn't have much reach, i will reload with a lighter grain lead when i get a new reloader as my old simplex loader is near impossible to find dies for now

[@barryjohn6297]

yes it is, very expensive ammo but i will reload myself later

[@CowboyAxe]

Mine can be clumsy to load too, think on the 94 design it is not suited for the round type, but none the less functions good enough.

[@barryjohn6297]

You are so right, doesnt seem to suit a short round very well

[@CowboyAxe]

@@barryjohn6297 Yes very clumsy seating the round, but you can work around it.

[@toddcraft7788]

So is .44 WCF and .44-40 the same round, or does the 44-40 just work in the .44 WCF?

[@barryjohn6297]

This Winchester Rifle is a Model 94 little big horn centennial June 25th to 26th 1876. its a WCF .44 that takes .44-40 cal ammunition

[@billnopoles1934]

Yes! When Colt adapted his 73 SAA to that caliber he didn't use the designation 44WCF. The black-powder charge was the same, 40grains, as on 45 Colt.

[@barryjohn6297]

@@billnopoles1934 thanks for the interesting info

[@billnopoles1934]

Why would I want a 94 in a 44-40? the repeating is so hard, compared to a 92. The flipping winchester (movies) is possible only with a 92. (no 66, no 73, no 94)

[@barryjohn6297]

you are right about the repeating, but! i found the gun in a 44 gallon drum of hessian bags i purchased at a deceased estate clearing sale, such a lucky find for the cost of $20 to buy the 44 Gallon barrel

[@steelgila]

By flipping are you refering to 'spin-cocking'? Yeah I would save that trick for the M92. Make sure it's unloaded of course. That Winchester 94's a longer action rifle than a model 92 pistol caliber carbine.