I was into 10mm Auto before it sold out and went mainstream, but these days I'm here for the revolver and epidemiology information.
Looks like an XS rail.
https://www.xssights.com/Products.aspx?CAT=8282
This is probably true. Once the barrel length gets to 20" or more, the compact scopes - at the time, what I was halfheartedly tinkering with were considered "shotgun" or "dangerous game" low-magnification variables - are not bad as long as the mounts can be kept reasonably low. The red dots just seemed like they were a better answer on the 16" and 18" carbines since with 2 MOA dots they were more-or-less adequate out to the ranges that the gun and the operator (me) were still useful.
I was at that awkward stage where a guy physically ages past being able to use and enjoy certain firearms and frustration did set in. If I live long enough to see it happen, A new Marlin 1894 CSS - one with better QC - and something like a Vortex Viper or Steiner LPVO with illuminated reticle might be fun to play with in my retirement years.
gn
"On the internet, nobody knows if you are a dog... or even a cat."
I gave a range demo to a young gal (she was around 40... it's all relative) a few years back, and she thought that an optic made shooting so easy that it was like cheating. I was tempted to tell her to just wait another ten years and she'll be cheating her butt off as well as spending good money to do so, but I suppressed the urge.
gn
"On the internet, nobody knows if you are a dog... or even a cat."
Quoting myself is gauche, but...
Suddenly I want a Marlin 1894 CSBL so that I can put a surplus Aimpoint Micro or an illuminated LPVO on it. Can/will Ruger make it happen? In my lifetime? If so, I can see this being "the rifle that old tomcat always used after he retired."
gn
"On the internet, nobody knows if you are a dog... or even a cat."
My first Shooting mentor, Maj. Doug Smith, USAR (Ret.) (RIP) was a lever action fan when he and Cooper discussed what would be "dubbed" the Kansas City Special ( Lever Action Rifle-Pistol Caliber) in the 80's.
IIRC, he first used a Bushnell Red Dot on a piece of rail that was likely soldered in place by a local gunsmith. Ultimately, he went all in with XS sights/rail and an Aimpoint.
For years, it was his preferred travel gun because it was a very flat package that would go anywhere and was minute of man accurate with any load for as far as he could see.
https://www.scoutrifle.org/index.php?topic=5935.0
"We have had various people write in to tell us how much they admire that version of the venerable Winchester Model 94 which is now made to take pistol cartridges. This seems to us a piece of bad terminology by the Winchester people, who used to call the lever-action carbine for the rifle cartridge the M94 and the lever-action carbine for a pistol cartridge the M92. Both of these instruments serve a valuable purpose in today's peculiar society, wherein the instrument is deemed by our lawmakers to possess a will of its own. The old Winchester lever guns, drastically more efficient than any AK47 or Uzi, still possess a rather innocent air, and they have not yet been discovered by our legislative oppressors. But one should not confuse a piece which takes a rifle cartridge with a piece which takes a pistol cartridge. We announced previously that we will henceforth refer to the M94 30-30 as 'The Brooklyn Special.' Now, however, in honor of one of our customers in Kansas City who uses the 94/92 in caliber 44 Magnum, we refer to this piece as 'The Kansas City Special.' " (1989)
I am not your attorney. I am not giving legal advice. Any and all opinions expressed are personal and my own and are not those of any employer-past, present or future.
Interesting. I knew Jeff Cooper's thoughts on the 94 Winchester in .30-30, but did not know about the .44s.
I once owned a Winchester 94 in .44 Magnum and that thing was quite effective on various targets, but I foolishly traded it away for something new and shiny. When I took up the short levergun cause later on, I had decided to cull the cartridge inventory and went with the .357 Magnum. I had some regrets off and on about abandoning the larger bore for the .357, but ultimately, it was the better choice for me and I got a number of years of enjoyment out of the things. With an optic that cooperates with my eyes, I still have confidence in the effectiveness of .357 carbines, though I have not done much with the one that remains here at Casa del Gato.
gn
"On the internet, nobody knows if you are a dog... or even a cat."