Winchester Model 1894 .30-30 WCF 17½” Octagon Lever Rifle Antique 1897
SOLD FOR: $1,800.00
LSB#: LSB250707WH002
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894 Rifle
Serial Number: 89228
Year of Manufacture: 1897, Antique
Caliber: .30-30 W.C.F.
Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with tubular magazine.
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “-NICKEL STEEL BARREL- / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER”, the top is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE / WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.” and “30 W.C.F.” at the rear. The bottom-front of the receiver is marked “89228”, the top tang is marked “MODEL 1894 / -WINCHESTER- / PAT.AUG.21.1894”.
Barrel Length: 17 1/2”, Octagon. Chopped.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade set between two bases, dovetailed to the barrel. The bead has been removed. The rear sight is a Marble’s u-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light draglines, compressions and scratches. There are minor losses along the edges. The right side of the grip has been crudely checkered. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color Lever and Hammer
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with well defined rifling. There is light erosion throughout but no significant pitting of any sort. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 15% of its finish. The receiver retains some blue on the flats but most of the finish has taken to a patina or worn to white. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp with serviceable slots. There is some case color in the protected areas but most of the finish has muted. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fair condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety and 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 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. This is a Winchester Model 1894 rifle made in 1897 with a 17 1/2” chopped octagon barrel and chambered in .30-30 W.C.F. This is a great find for the Winchester enthusiast and will sit nicely in your collection. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
