Winchester Pre-64 Model 1894 ’94 20” .30-30 Lever Action Rifle MFD 1921 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,150.00

LSB#: WY250330GC061

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1894 Rifle

Serial Number: 889723

Year of Manufacture: 1921

Caliber: .30-30 WCF

Action Type: This is a Lever Action Rifle with a Full Length Magazine Tube

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.”, “-NICKEL STEEL BARREL- / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER – .30 W.C.F.”. The top of the barrel and receiver are marked with Winchester “WP” proofs. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1894 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG.U.S.PAT.OFF.&FGN.”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “889723”.

Barrel Length: 20”, Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade pinned to a rectangular block behind the barrel band. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, fluted straight comb and checkered hard rubber buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks and scratches and scuffs. There is a small crack on the bottom right of the wrist. The LOP measures about 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is well-defined. There is light erosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its finish. There is thinning on the leading edges and receiver. The receiver retains some blue on the flats but most of the finish has taken to a dark patina or worn to white. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. The lever safety is present and fully functional. 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 Winchester Model 1894 rifle followed the other John Browning designed lever action rifles to become one of the most famous and popular hunting rifles of all time. It was the first commercial sporting rifle to sell over 7,000,000 units, making the name “Winchester” synonymous with all lever action rifles. It was also the first commercial American repeating rifle built to be used with smokeless powder. It was introduced in 1894 in two black powder cartridges, the .32-40 and .38-55 Win. rounds, but by the next year Winchester had developed a different steel composition that could handle higher pressures, and the .30-30 Win. family of cartridges was born.

This is a Winchester Model 1894 saddle ring carbine made in 1921 with a 20” round barrel and chambered in .30-30 W.C.F. The cartridge is perhaps the most popular deer cartridge in America. Whether you’re looking to add to your Winchester collection or want a classy vintage hunting rifle, you can’t go wrong with an American classic. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.