Winchester 94 question

[Rogmatt]

What is the ring on the side of the reciever that I see on some commemorative and older Winchester lever rifles. It looks like a ring attached to a pin going through the reciever.
I am buying an "Illinois Sequential Commemorative" 1868-1968 winchester Model 94. There is a screw hole on the left side missing the pin or a screw. I did not see the part on Numrich Gun Parts site.
What is the ring used for??

[John Traveler1]

Rogmatt,

That ring is called a "saddle ring", and it's purpose was for attaching a thong to hang the carbine from a saddle horn, or whatever.

It's use is similar to that of the "sling ring and bar" found on mid-late 1800's US cavalry carbines used for attaching a swivel hook and wide shoulder strap to prevent loss of the weapon on horseback.

[Rogmatt]

Thanks John.  Were recievers on commemoratives all steel??  I am hoping it is not aluminum as I need to do some touch up blueing with Oxpho.

[John Traveler1]

All winchester 94 commenoratives were made with steel receivers.  Some post 64 models were iron-plated to make them blue more evenly.