[crossbolt427]

I just acquired this 1894 that was manufactured in 1911. It is a saddle ring carbine and has "GSC31" stamped on the left side of the receiver. I would live to know what this designates or why or who. Possibly ranch or prison related. I'm open to opinions.

 

[recoil junky]

I have no clue but it sure does add to the overall character of the rifle! Very nice!

RJ

 

[DarkLord]

No idea what GSC is, but that's typically of a mark that would be put on by a private company like a railroad.

 

[recoil junky]

Makes sense.

RJ

 

[shawlerbrook]

Bert Hartman is the Winchester 1894 expert and might be able to answer your question . I do believe the above are correct.

 

[gbro]

With Saddle/Sling Ring wear on the receiver show that carbine saw lots of use.
And the 31 was added after the initial letters.

 

[JBelk]

It might be of interest that the G stamp is put on separate than the SC 31 which seems to be one stamp. Both were applied by press instead of hammer, too. Seems a backwards way of marking and might offer a clue.

 

[crooked creek]

It might be of interest that the G stamp is put on separate than the SC 31 which seems to be one stamp. Both were applied by press instead of hammer, too. Seems a backwards way of marking and might offer a clue.

Yes, and if you copy the image and zoom it to 250%, there is a separating - (dash) between the [elevated] G and the S, and there appears to be what looks like a center punch dot in the center of the G.

 

[crossbolt427]

This has been extremely interesting to me for some reason. I can post photos of the entire rifle but there is nothing outside of being a standard SRC. Condition is excellent with no scars or damage outside of bluing loss.

 

[JBelk]

An important clue is the 'scabbard mark' caused by the saddle ring riding downward and vibrating. That rifle has ridden many miles on a good horse. (Unbent barrel and mag tube means good horses)

 

[gbro]

The only interesting hit I got searching for GSC is Geological Service of Canada that is old enough for this Carbine and would have carried it in a scabbard.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geological_Survey_of_Canada
I do not know if a letter would be available for this Carbine, but if so the answer may be on it?

 

[crooked creek]

The only interesting hit I got searching for GSC is Geological Service of Canada that is old enough for this Carbine and would have carried it in a scabbard.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geological_Survey_of_Canada
I do not know if a letter would be available for this Carbine, but if so the answer may be on it?

I was thinking the same, but when the [apparently] intentional separation of the G and the S with the hyphen was seen, I thought that kinda threw a wrench into that theory (?). There are a bunch of acronyms out there, but most seem way to 'modern' for this one example (some would be a humorous application!).

 

[mikekoch]

If GSC are someones initials, he or she should be commended for keeping that wood in such fine condition. Especially if it was on a horse traversing the wilds. The beauty of old guns is imagining what they have experienced. Very nice firearm Crossbolt!

 

[crooked creek]

If GSC are someones initials, he or she should be commended for keeping that wood in such fine condition. Especially if it was on a horse traversing the wilds. The beauty of old guns is imagining what they have experienced. Very nice firearm Crossbolt!

Based on the 'half moon' wear pattern groove from the saddle ring, I suspect the rifle spent a great deal of time in it's early life in a scabbard, which makes the overall condition that much more impressive.

 

[crossbolt427]

I contacted Cody for a letter and this was what I received back:

"We are able to provide the serial number application (SNA) factory letter for your Winchester. This letter will contain the date on which work began on the firearm. Configuration and customer records are no longer available for your Winchester".

Anyway the gun came out of Northern Vermont and a previous owner worked for the railroad but thats all I know so "gbro" may have figured it out. I know this is nearly impossible to track but it is always fun to search. The only other thing that stood out is the marks behind the hammer.

 

[JBelk]

That's the grit in the cross-strap on the scabbard. Leather plus dust equals a lap.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Whatever the stamp signifies, I love that rifle!

 

[JBelk]

Rifles never taken apart have a special look and special appeal to me. They never look the same or as good after 'a good cleaning'.

 

[gbro]

That's the grit in the cross-strap on the scabbard. Leather plus dust equals a lap.

Puzzling that the marks aren't shown on the hammer?
Even the blueing shows no wear??
If you fully cock the hammer do you see any marks on the front side??
Only other reason would be hammer was replaced.
Just my WAG!

 

[shawlerbrook]

If you would like Bert Hartman’s contact info you can pm me. If anyone can solve the mystery he can.