Winchester 1894 94 26″ Octagonal .30-30 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1909 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1050
LSB#: 220316CA028
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894 Rifle
Serial Number: 487397
Year of Manufacture: 1909
Caliber: .30-30 Winchester Center Fire (30 WCF)
Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a half-length tubular magazine.
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED AUGUST 21. 1894.” in front of the rear sight, “-NICKEL STEEL BARREL- / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER” below the rear sight and “30 W.C.F.” at the receiver. The top of the barrel at the rear and the top of the chamber ring are each marked with an ovalled “WP” proof. The front underside of the receiver is marked “487397”. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1894 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT. OFF.”.
Barrel Length: 26″, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver-colored blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. It appears to be mounted backward. The rear sight is a Marble’s elevator sight with a “V”-notch semi-buckhorn with white triangle aiming reference, dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The rear sight appears to be refinished. The sights are not original to the gun. The top tang is drilled and tapped for a tang sight. No sight is present, but the front hole is filled with a mounting screw.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a couple of more notable marks in the bottom of the forend. There are cracks at the toe on each side and a short, grain-line crack in the right-front of the wrist. The LOP measures 12 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly gone to a light patina with the toe worn to white, some scattered light surface oxidation, and light erosion at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion in the bore. Our gauge shows an ME of about 1.5.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel and magazine tube have generally strong finish with some scattered minor wear. The receiver has mostly worn to white with finish at the radiused front and rear edges of the flats and on the bottom tang. The worn areas show discoloration from oxidation. There are scattered light nicks and scratches. The left shoulder of the barrel has a cluster of tool marks at the rear sight dovetail. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety and there is a lever safety. 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: This is a Winchester Model 94 Rifle in .30-30 WCF that was made in 1909. The .30-30 is synonymous with “deer rifle” in the United States and the 1894 is perhaps the most common platform for the cartridge. This rifle is in Good-Very Good condition with 70% of its metal finish remaining, a decent bore, and strong mechanics. This rifle has seen some honest use, but it looks better than any of us will when we’re more than 110 years old! This vintage rifle should be of some interest to collectors, helping round out a Winchester collection or, it will still serve as a nice deer rifle. Please see our photos and good luck!