I'm somewhat intrigued by the idea of taking a plain old vanilla 1894 in .44 Magnum and turning it into a copy of a baby carbine.

I already have an 1894P and really like the handling of it, but dislike the ported barrel and don't find it necessary. It seems that a standard carbine with the barrel shortened to around 18" and the magazine shortened to a length similar to the baby carbines would seem to be a handy package. I'd probably shorten the stock a bit to fit my smaller size and also accommodate bulky, cold weather clothing. Sights would be either be original or possibly replaced by ones from XS.

Wood would be refinished with something fairly tough like a polyurethane and metal work possibly cerakoted in a dark graphite shade.

It seems it would be a fun project with fairly low cost, especially when considering that the perfect donor would be something a bit ragged, but still serviceable.

Any thoughts?

I'd shorten to 16.5", personally, but hey, why not?

My 1894P is 16 1/4" or 16 1/2" and it's very handy, but I'm not sure that would look like enough barrel compared to the short magazine.

Ported 1895s suck terribly. I hate them.

I have seen several rifles like you speak, Scott. I'd leave the barrel as long as possible. 18" if that's all you can get.

It's not a bad idea. Skip the polyurethane and do an oil finish and put a tough, hardening wax on it. Much more serviceable that way, and looks better also.

A dark gray graphite, or an OD green on the metal would be cool.....

I would like to see your results. Sounds like a neat brush gun.

I had just posted a rifle that has been modified to the specs you are talking about, it is for sale in the free classified section. Here is a pic.

Have David Clay do the work.
DRC in TX.