[Big Swede]

I'm from Sweden and have been looking for an 1894P for about a year now.
There has been several close calls but no luck, until now...
I had all but given up on finding the 1894P and convinced myself that the 1894 Cowboy in 44 mag, 20" was the gun for me.
Just then an 1894P in mint condition shows up, with an ok pricetag.

Problem is, I cannot make up my mind all of a sudden, help me out here guys :-\,
what are the pros & cons, 1894 Cowboy 20" versus 1894P 16 1/4"?

I plan to use the gun primarily when stalking roe deer, mostly short range, 75-100 yards shooting distance.

 

[papajohn]

I'd snag what's available, and worry about buying or trading for the other one later. I'm pretty sure you're going to need more than one anyway. 8)

 

[1895Gunner]

It really comes down to a personal preference. Also, the 1894P is ported and some folks don't like the extra noise they make. Me personally, I love the ports and prefer them over the non-ported models.

I don't currently own any cowboys (yet) but may change my tune after I do. For deer hunting in the field I believe that you will be much happier with the lighter 1894P.

Here is a pic of mine that I just picked up.

 

[Big Swede]

It really comes down to a personal preference. Also, the 1894P is ported and some folks don't like the extra noise they make. Me personally, I love the ports and prefer them over the non-ported models.

I don't currently own any cowboys (yet) but may change my tune after I do. For deer hunting in the field I believe that you will be much happier with the lighter 1894P.

Here is a pic of mine that I just picked up.

Well, I am in favour of the 1894P and have all but decided to pick it up. Cowboy models can be found relatively easy even in Sweden but the 1894P is quite rare.
How much noise does the ports add? I have actually never shot a rifle with ports and do not really know what to expect...

 

[micky_blue]

I would ask what the terrain you hunt in is like. I have only been to southern Sweden and it was very hilly and lots of trees. If that were the case I would lean twords the P just for quick shooting. I have read that you Swedes also shoot at running game on a regular basis so a longer barrel might be better for balance and swinging the gun. Either is a good choice.


micky

 

[1895Gunner]

I have never really noticed the extra noise with ports but some folks on this forum swear it makes them too loud. No big deal if you ask me.

 

[Big Swede]

I would ask what the terrain you hunt in is like. I have only been to southern Sweden and it was very hilly and lots of trees. If that were the case I would lean twords the P just for quick shooting. I have read that you Swedes also shoot at running game on a regular basi to s so a longer barrel might be better for balance and swinging the gun. Either is a good choice.


micky

I would mainly use the gun in the forest, no heavy underbrush and not too dense with trees, some hills, no big ones though.
The purpose of this gun would be stalking roe deer, meaning mostly still targets. It is true that we swedes are fond of shooting at running game, but that is mainly when we hunt in parties with dogs, and I already have several bolt actions for that purpose.
What I lack as yet is a short, light rifle, easy to carry but with good accuracy for short/medium distances. It does speak in favour of the 1894P doesn't it

 

[Big Swede]

I have never really noticed the extra noise with ports but some folks on this forum swear it makes them too loud. No big deal if you ask me.

Ok, I'm convinced, will actuall y send the dealer a mail straight away so I'm sure to get it. Worst case is that I am not satisfied and get my money back when selling it

Thanks for the moral support ;D

Here is a pic of the gun in question

 

[1895Gunner]

Yes sir, you'll love it! Good luck with the purchase!

 

[eaglesnest]

Ok, I'm convinced, will actuall y send the dealer a mail straight away so I'm sure to get it. Worst case is that I am not satisfied and get my money back when selling it

Thanks for the moral support ;D

Here is a pic of the gun in question

Oh yeah, that is a sweet looking rifle!! Buy it I'd say!

 

[doorgunner]

I think that you made a very good choice by going with the 1894P! ;D

 

[bigjeepman]

That is going to be one very handy rifle. Congratulations! Now you can join the 1894 Team at the top of this page .

bjm

 

[Big Swede]

Thanks for all the feedback and positive response.

You may now consider me a 1894 club prospect, just closed the deal with the gunshop over mail and will send in my license papers tomorrow 8).

Now comes the delicate question as to what kind of a sight I should put on.
Since the 1894P is such a dainty little thing it would be a shame to weigh it down with a scope... I am thinking that a Burris Fastfire would be just the thing... Have one of those on my Benelli shotgun and like it a lot, it would probably be perfect for the distances I will be shooting at, 100 yards max.
Guess I will have to sleep on it, getting late in my timezone

 

[1895Gunner]

Team 1894 member #13 - Big Swede

Per your request

 

[Radar 1]

I think you would be well equipped with a peep sight on that beautiful little rifle.

 

[Eli Chaps]

Congrats Big Swede!

1894P's are hard to come by anywhere, let alone Sweden!

Ports...Well, as my friend 1895Gunner eluded to, they can be very controversial. I like them for their purpose. Ports are NOT designed to reduce felt recoil. Muzzle breaks are designed for that. Ports are designed to reduce muzzle rise and facilitate faster follow-up shot potential. On a short barreled or hard kicking gun this is can be very advantageous. My 1895G is ported as is my Mossberg 835 12ga and for those firearms, I am glad of it. Ports are also fairly common in the handgun world. As to noise, it is a subject of high debate. I personally do not believe the ports add noise to the shooter. They certainly add some blast and noise to people beside the shooter but I don't find them in any way a problem for the person holding the gun. I also think a lot of folks attribute the increased noise to ports when it is probably more accurately to blamed on the shorter barrel.

 

[Big Swede]

Yes, I am somewhat pleased, I had almost given up on finding an 1894P.

I must say I am inclined to agree with you with regard to the noise level (without ever having tried ported barrels...). It seems logical that most of the "added" sound should affect bystanders, not the shooter, who is behind the ports...
Anyway, guess that is academic since I always use electronic protectors.