Winchester Model 94AE Friends of NRA 30-30 20” Lever Action Rifle Modern
SOLD FOR: $1,585.00
LSB#: LSB250804MF156
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Company
Model: Model 94AE “Friends of NRA” 1995 Gun of the Year
Serial Number: 6128937
Year of Manufacture: 1995 (Winchester U.S. production, commemorative limited edition of 500) Modern
Caliber: .30-30 Winchester
Action Type: Lever-Action Rifle with Tubular Magazine
Markings:
The left side of the receiver is scroll-engraved with a detailed whitetail deer scene within a circular panel surrounded by floral scrollwork. The right side bears the National Rifle Association eagle-and-rifles seal surrounded by matching scrollwork and the inscription “LIMITED EDITION OF 500.” The barrel is marked “WINCHESTER® MODEL 94AE CAL. 30-30 WIN / MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL.” The underside of the receiver is marked “6128937 / Artistic Arms, Inc. Augusta, Georgia.”
Barrel Length: 20 Inches
Sights / Optics:
This rifle is equipped with a hooded front sight with a brass bead and an adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight with an elevator.
Stock Configuration & Condition:
The stock and forearm are checkered walnut with a satin finish and a straight grip. The wood shows minimal handling wear consistent with storage, and sharp checkering. The fit to the metal is excellent with smooth transitions at all junctions.
Type of Finish:
Nickel-plated receiver, lever, barrel bands, front sight hood, and magazine tube cap, with blued barrel and magazine tube.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition:
This rifle retains about 99% of its original finish. The metal surfaces remain bright and clean with only faint storage handling evidence. The markings are crisp, the engraving is sharp, and the factory polish is clear. In this writer’s opinion, this rifle rates in Excellent to Near New condition with approximately 99% of finish retained.
Mechanics:
The action functions correctly. The lever cycles smoothly and locks up tightly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Accessories:
Included is the original red Winchester factory box with matching label, Friends of NRA informational card, and A&A Engraving care instructions.
Our Assessment:
The Winchester Model 94AE “Friends of NRA” 1995 Gun of the Year represents a special intersection of American heritage, firearms craftsmanship, and civic tradition. Produced in a limited run of only 500 rifles, each piece was engraved by A&A Engraving in Rapid City, South Dakota, led by Mark Armstrong, known as “The Man with the Golden Guns.” The design features a whitetail deer on one side and the NRA eagle logo on the other, reflecting both the sporting and constitutional values the rifle celebrates.
Introduced in 1894, the Winchester Model 94 became one of the most iconic lever actions in history and the first commercial rifle chambered for the smokeless .30 Winchester Center Fire cartridge—later known as the .30-30 Winchester. This round earned its reputation as the quintessential North American deer cartridge, balancing manageable recoil with dependable performance in the field.
This 1995 NRA edition stands apart for its polished presentation and symbolic purpose. With its nickel-plated accents, scroll engraving, and pristine walnut furniture, it’s a rifle that honors the legacy of both Winchester and the NRA’s long-standing role in American shooting culture. Few remain in such complete condition with the original box and paperwork intact—making this an excellent opportunity for collectors seeking to preserve a piece of commemorative Winchester history.
KF
