Win 1894 question for the experts

[Riomouse911]

I was reading a Craig Boddington article on some new 125th anniversary 1894’s in a gun mag from the end of last year, when I saw a picture of some 1894 front sights in the article that piqued my interest.

The article had the below picture in it. I’ve seen front sights like the lower rifle on several Winchester 1894’s and 1892’s:



Including my own .44 Mag Trapper:



However, I can’t recall seeing an 1894 with the full ramp front sight behind the front barrel band, only in front of it (closer to the muzzle) like my three 20” .30-30 carbines:



My question for the experts is; Was the ramp front sight behind the barrel band a factory option, or was it an aftermarket add on to that particular 1894 in the picture?

Thanks!

Stay safe.

 

[ECVMatt]

Takedown Model?? Or maybe a sub 16" barrel?

 

[Old Stumpy]

I'm certainly no expert, but perhaps that is a picture of a transitional 1894 Winchester.
Perhaps this was Winchester's first style of ramp to replace the dovetailed-in front sight.
They then decided that it would look and work better with the barrel band behind the ramp.

 

[Riomouse911]

Cool, makes sense. Thanks for the responses. It was a stumper for me when I saw it.

Stay safe.