Winchester Model 94 Limited Edition .30-30 WIN 20” Lever Action Rifle, 1978
SOLD FOR: $2,000.00
LSB#: LSB250804MF140
Make: Winchester
Model: Model 94 Limited Edition
Serial Number: 77L154
Year of Manufacture: April 25, 1978 (per included Olin factory letter) Modern
Caliber: .30-30 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 20 Inches
Markings:
The right shoulder of the barrel is script-engraved “Limited Edition by Winchester.” The left side of the barrel is marked “Winchester – Model 94 .30-30 WIN – Made in New Haven, Conn., U.S.A. Winchester Proof Steel.” The gold-finished receiver features intricate scroll engraving with game scenes—an elk and mountain lion on the right side and a bear in a wooded landscape on the left. The underside of the receiver is serial numbered “77L154.” The lever and forend cap are also gold finished with scroll accents.
Sights / Optics:
The rifle is equipped with a hooded beaded front sight dovetailed to the barrel and a semi-buckhorn rear sight mounted to the barrel with an elevator for elevation adjustment.
Stock Configuration & Condition:
The two-piece checkered walnut stock set features a capped pistol grip and straight comb with fine figure and gloss finish. The wood is beautifully finished and remains excellent, with sharp checkering and minimal handling evidence. The forend and buttstock are finely fit to the metal. The wood exhibits classic Winchester Limited Edition craftsmanship, showcasing the high level of attention to detail characteristic of this commemorative line.
Type of Finish:
High Polish Blue Barrel and Magazine Tube, Gold-Finished Receiver, Lever, and Forend Cap.
Finish Originality:
Original Factory Finish.
Bore Condition:
The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition:
This rifle retains approximately 99% of its metal finish. The gold-plated surfaces remain brilliant with only faint handling polish. The barrel and magazine tube show deep, lustrous bluing, unmarred by wear or oxidation. The wood exhibits superb grain and crisp checkering. The rifle presents as a near-new example, clearly stored carefully in its factory case.
Mechanics:
The action functions correctly and smoothly. The lever locks tightly, and the hammer and trigger operate properly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories:
Included is the factory-fitted walnut presentation case lined in red velvet, a brass nameplate mount, the Olin authentication letter dated April 25, 1978, the original owner’s manual, warranty card, authorized service center list, and a Limited Edition brochure. All paperwork corresponds to the rifle’s serial number. The case remains in excellent condition with light storage wear.
Our Assessment:
The Winchester Model 94 Limited Edition rifles were introduced in 1978 to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Model 1894—the most iconic lever-action rifle in American history. Built in New Haven, Connecticut, this model exemplified Winchester’s late-20th-century commitment to craftsmanship even as production methods modernized. The elaborate gold finish, deep scroll engraving, and exhibition-grade walnut distinguished it from standard production guns, making it one of the company’s most elegant commemorative rifles.
Chambered in the time-honored .30-30 Winchester cartridge—a round synonymous with North American deer hunting since its 1895 introduction—this rifle honors the cartridge’s balance of manageable recoil and proven performance in the field. The combination of the .30-30 chambering with the Model 94’s lever-action design cemented the rifle’s place as an American sporting icon.
This particular example, verified by factory letter and presented in its original velvet-lined case, remains a pristine tribute to Winchester’s artistry. It’s near-new condition, crisp engraving, and complete documentation make it an exceptional collector’s piece—a reflection of Winchester’s golden era of commemorative arms.
We are no longer offering layaway. KF
