Pre-64 Winchester Model 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine .32 WS 20″ Lever Action
SOLD FOR: $1,160.00
LSB# LSB251203TH009
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine
Serial Number: 1002155
Year of Manufacture: 1927 / C&R
Caliber: .32 Winchester Special
Action Type: This is a Lever Action Rifle with a Full Length Magazine Tube.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-MODEL 94-WINCHESTER-NICKEL STEEL – 32 WS.- / -TRADE MARK-“. The top of the barrel and receiver are both marked with a Winchester WP proof. The top tang is marked “MODEL 94 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG.U.S.PAT.OFF.&FGN.”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “1002155”.
Barrel Length: 20″ Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set and pinned in a square block integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a carbine style ladder sight.The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel carbine style buttplate. The LOP measures about 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are scratches, compression dents and handling wear throughout. There is oil darkening in the wrist There is a crack on the right side of the wrist. The Overall, the stocks are in about Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bore. There is light pitting evenly throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its current metal finish. The barrel and mag tube have turned about halfway to brown patina. The receiver has gone to silver/brown patina. There are scratches, handling marks, and corrosion stains throughout. The screw heads are sharp with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fair 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: This pre-64 Winchester Model 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine represents a classic interwar production example of one of America’s most enduring lever action designs. Manufactured in 1927, this carbine reflects a period when the Model 94 was firmly established as a practical, lightweight rifle for ranch, woods, and saddle use. The saddle ring carbine configuration, with its 20 inch round barrel and banded forend, emphasizes portability and quick handling, traits that made the Model 94 a trusted companion for generations of working riflemen.
Chambered in .32 Winchester Special, the rifle is paired with a cartridge developed to bridge traditional black powder shooting preferences with smokeless performance. The .32 WS offered slightly larger bore diameter and was often favored by shooters who cast their own bullets, while still delivering effective performance on deer-sized game. The iron sight arrangement, consisting of a pinned front blade and carbine-style ladder rear sight, reflects a practical field setup, while the drilled and tapped tang shows accommodation for a tang-mounted peep sight, a common period upgrade. The bore is semi-bright with well-defined rifling and light, even pitting, earning a 7.5 out of 10 rating.
Overall condition is Fair, with approximately 50 percent of the original finish remaining and much of the barrel, magazine tube, and receiver having worn to brown and silver patina. Metal surfaces show scattered scratches, handling marks, and corrosion staining consistent with extended field use. The walnut stocks exhibit widespread wear, oil darkening at the wrist, and a visible crack on the right side of the wrist, placing them in Fair condition. Markings remain clear, screw heads are sharp and serviceable, and the action functions correctly with both half-cock and lever safety intact. Taken together, this Winchester Model 1894 presents as an honest, well-used saddle ring carbine that clearly reflects its long working life and enduring role in American firearms history. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF
