Winchester 94 John Wayne Commemorative Set .32-40 Win Lever Rifle, 1981 C&R
SOLD FOR: $6658.33
LSB#: 230607HE025 and 230607HE026
Make: Winchester
Model: 94 John Wayne Commemorative Matched Set
Serial Number (HE025): JWDM126
Serial Number (HE026): JWM126
Year of Manufacture (Both): 1981, this rifle model is on the ATF C&R list
Caliber (Both): .32-40 Winchester
Action Type (Both): Large Loop Lever Action Rifle with a Side Loading Gate fed by Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length (Both): 18”
Sights / Optics (HE025): The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is a U-notch buckhorn with white diamond reference in an elevator sight dovetailed to the top rear of the barrel.
Sights / Optics (HE026): The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is a U-notch half-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the top rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition (HE025): The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut featuring a barrel band, a straight grip, a straight comb, a John Wayne commemorative medallion on the right side of the buttstock and a carbine-style metal buttplate. The wood shows light nicks and some minor handling and storage marks. There is a small blemish on the right side of the grip but the checkering overall is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks are in Fine Plus overall condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition (HE026): The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut featuring a barrel band, a straight grip, a straight comb, a John Wayne commemorative medallion on the right side of the buttstock and a carbine-style metal buttplate. The wood shows no notable wear or damage, just some light handling and storage marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks are in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish (HE025): Blue and Antiqued Gold
Type of Finish (HE026): Blue and Pewter
Finish Originality (Both): Original
Bore Condition (Both): The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion and for the age, this bore rates a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition (Both): This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows no notable wear or damage, just a few light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics (Both): The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half cock safety position. There is a functioning lever safety present. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: These rifles come with a wooden display/storage box with brass fixtures and a red interior. They also come with the original shipping boxes including the large outer shipping box, the individual cardboard boxes with labeled styrofoam inserts.
Our Assessment: This is an attractive commemorative matched set of Winchester 1894 rifles in .32-40, manufactured in 1981 to honor John Wayne, America’s favorite cowboy. The rifle features checkering on the grip and forend, and engraved receivers that have complementing finishes. The rifles retain about 99% of their metal finishes, the bores are bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, the stocks are free from major damage and have exceptional grain. This matched set is a rare opportunity and a great find for Winchester collectors and/or fans of John Wayne’s movies as this set is number 126 of only 300 made. 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! Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!
-J. Ren
