Pre-64 Winchester Model 1894 Carbine .25-35 W.C.F. 20″ Lever Rifle 1912 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1276
LSB#: 220103CP006
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894
Serial Number: 542575
Year of Manufacture: 1912
Caliber: .25-35 Winchester
Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a full-length tubular magazine.
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED AUGUST 21. 1894.”, “-NICKEL STEEL BARREL- / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER” and “25-35 W.C.F.”. The top of the receiver’s chamber ring has an ovalled “WP” proof. The underside of the receiver is marked “542575”. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1894 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.”.
Barrel Length: 20″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade slotted and pinned to a rectangular base that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a Redfield “U”-notch buckhorn elevator sight. The notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, and smooth steel buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, and scuffs throughout with notable wear at the toe. There are dispersed stain marks on the wood. There is thinning finish and discoloration from handling in the grip areas. The LOP measures 13 1/4” to the back of the plate, which shows heavy wear and erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Good-Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is sharp. There is scattered light erosion in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. There are spots of finish loss over pitting on the magazine tube and on the bottom front of the barrel. There is some erosion on the receiver and lever. The barrel also shows scattered freckles of oxidation. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is erosion on the barrel bands. There are scattered little nicks and scratches throughout the metal. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. The lever safety functions properly. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Model 94’s combination of potent firepower in a compact, lightweight, comfortable-to-carry, and quick-shooting package has made it an extremely popular hunting rifle, particularly for white-tailed deer in the dense forests of the Eastern United States, where most game is killed at relatively short distances. As a result, it was the first sporting rifle to sell over 7,000,000 units. This Winchester Model 94 Carbine in 25-35 was made in 1912. The .25-35 Winchester was introduced in 1895 by Winchester for the Winchester Model 1894. Together with the .30-30, it was one of the earliest smokeless cartridges designed in North America for a sporting rifle. The .25-35 WCF can be used to hunt deer, though in common loadings only at close range because of their low energy levels. In standard loadings in a 20-inch barrel the cartridge retains only about 800 to 900 fpe at 100 yards, or about what its sister cartridge the .30-30 has at about 200 yards. This rifle is in about Good-Very Good condition with 75% of its metal finish remaining, a good bore and a strong hammer. This pre-1964 vintage rifle should be of interest to collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!