Pre-64 Winchester Model 1894 94 .38-55 Win. 26″ Lever Action Rifle MFD 1904
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
LSB#: LSB251102CE001
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894 Rifle
Serial Number: 213647
Year of Manufacture: 1904 / C&R
Caliber: .38-55 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action fed by full length Magazine Tube.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED AUGUST 21. 1894.” and “38-55” with a Winchester WP proof. The left side of the barrel is marked “Nickel Steel” The tang is marked “MODEL 1894 / -WINCHESTER- / Pat Aug 21, 1894”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 26″ Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The tang is drilled and tapped.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel serrated buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate.There are sling mounts installed. The wrist has been checkered. The stocks have been refinished. There are scattered scratches, handling marks, and compression dents overall. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition for an older refinish.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates about 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. The majority of the finish is worn to a gray/brown patina. There are scattered corrosion stains throughout. The are scratches and handling marks throughout. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition for a C&R of this age.
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: This pre-64 Winchester Model 1894 rifle dates to 1904, placing it squarely in the early smokeless era when John M. Browning’s compact lever action was rapidly becoming the dominant sporting rifle in North America. Chambered in .38-55 Winchester and fitted with a 26 inch round barrel, this configuration reflects the Model 1894’s roots as a black powder and early smokeless transition rifle, well suited to both target shooting and medium game hunting at practical distances. The long barrel, full length magazine tube, and classic semi-buckhorn rear sight give the rifle a distinctly period-correct profile that immediately evokes the turn-of-the-century Winchester sporting rifle.
The .38-55 Winchester cartridge was introduced in the late 19th century as a black powder target and hunting round and quickly earned a reputation for accuracy, mild recoil, and effective performance on deer-sized game. In this rifle, the bore remains bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, rating about 9 out of 10, which is notable for a Winchester of this age and use. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with a crisp trigger, proper half-cock hammer safety, and a lever safety that operates as intended, reflecting the robust and enduring design of the Model 1894 action.
Overall, this rifle retains approximately 10 percent of its original blue finish, now largely worn to a uniform gray-brown patina with scattered corrosion staining and honest handling marks consistent with long service. The walnut stocks have been refinished and show added wrist checkering, sling mounts, and typical compression marks and scratches, presenting as very good for an older refinish while maintaining a solid, well-balanced feel. As a genuine pre-64 Winchester in an early production year and classic .38-55 chambering, this rifle stands as an authentic example of Winchester’s golden age of lever action rifles. We are no longer offering layaway. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF
