Winchester 1894 94 John Wayne Commemorative 32-40 Lever Action 1981 ATF C&R
SOLD FOR: $1750
LSB#: 210201KJ01
Make: Winchester
Model: 94 Carbine John Wayne Commemorative
Serial Number: JW30891
Year of Manufacture: 1981; this rifle is on the ATF C&R list
Caliber: .32-40 WCF
Action Type: Large Loop Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Fed Rifle
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER –®– MODEL 94 32-40 WIN. / MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”. The top of the barrel is marked with a “WP” proof, the right is marked “JOHN WAYNE COMMEMORATIVE”. The underside of the receiver is marked with the serial number “JW 30891”. The sides of the receiver are scroll engraved and with scenes from his films. The titles of many of his western movies including The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and True Grit are engraved along the border. John Wayne’s signature is engraved on the upper tang. There is a medallion featuring Wayne with his name above inset into the right side of the buttstock. The lower foam tray insert of the original factory box is serialized to the rifle and reflects its configuration.
Barrel Length: 18 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel behind the front band. The rear sight is a “U” notched elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The left of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel carbine-style buttplate. The stocks have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which shows no notable imperfections. Overall, the stocks rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued and Pewter
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are only a few scattered minor marks, most notable a couple of nicks on the top of the bolt. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The rifle was delivered to us with a zip-tie installed, we have elected not to cycle the action to prevent operational wear. We do guarantee that the action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in its serial matching factory box with foam inserts—the lower insert has a serialized end label and is molded to the rifle’s form factor. The sleeve for the box is marked “WINCHESTER MODEL 94 JOHN WAYNE COMMEMORATIVE”, and has color pictures of John Wayne and scenes from his films. The outer sleeve shows light storage wear with some fraying and a couple of small punctures at edges and corners. The foam lid has broken into two pieces, the tray shows scattered storage wear with a puncture in the bottom at the location of the saddle-ring, in about Good condition. An assortment of factory paperwork is included, including manual and hang-tag on the lever.
Our Assessment: This is an attractive commemorative Winchester 1894 rifle in .32-40, manufactured in 1981 to honor John Wayne, America’s favorite cowboy. The rifle features checkering on the grip and forend, engraved pewter plated receiver and pewter plated barrel bands. The rifle retains about 98% of its metal finishes, the bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, the stocks are free from major damage and have exceptional grain. The original serialized foam insert and outer cardboard sleeve are included in this auction, making it a very nice find for Winchester collectors and fans of John Wayne’s movies. Unless you grabbed one in 1981, you likely won’t find one in better condition, if you have another in worse shape, you can take it to the range now and store THIS one at home in honor of The Duke!