Pre-64 Winchester Model 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine .25-35 WCF 20″ C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,475.00
LSB# LSB251109JK006
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine
Serial Number: 182457
Year of Manufacture: 1903/ C&R
Caliber: .25-35 Winchester Center Fire
Action Type: This is a Lever Action Rifle with a Full Length Magazine Tube.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co, New Haven Conn, USA, Pat Aug 21, 1894/ 25-35 WCF” The upper tang is marked “Model 1894 Winchester Pat Aug 21, 1894” There is a “W” carved into the left side of the barrel by the chamber.
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 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 rifle style crescent buttplate. The LOP measures about 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks have scratches, handling wear and compression dents throughout. There are scattered gouges throughout. There is a small crack at the upper tang. There is an arrow carved into the buttstock. 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 defined. There is light erosion in the bore.There is light pitting mostly concentrated in the grooves.In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains virtually none of its current metal finish. The metal has worn to a silver patina throughout. There are scratches, dings and corrosion stains throughout. The screw heads are tool marked 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: The Winchester Model 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine chambered in .25-35 WCF represents an early and historically important configuration of John M. Browning’s landmark lever-action design. Manufactured in 1903, this example dates to the first decade of Model 1894 production, when Winchester was successfully transitioning American shooters from black powder cartridges to the new generation of smokeless sporting rounds. The .25-35 Winchester Center Fire was among the earliest smokeless cartridges offered in the Model 1894 and earned a reputation for mild recoil, flat trajectory, and practical effectiveness on deer-sized game, all produced under the banner of Winchester Repeating Arms Company.
This carbine is configured with a 20 inch round barrel, full-length magazine tube, saddle ring, and classic carbine furniture, giving it the trim, fast-handling profile favored by mounted troops, lawmen, and working outdoorsmen. The front sight is a pinned blade set into an integral square base, while the rear sight is a correct carbine ladder sight, offering period-correct elevation capability. The tang has been drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight, though none is present. The two-piece walnut stocks show extensive handling wear, scratches, compression dents, scattered gouges, a small crack at the upper tang, and carved markings including an arrow on the buttstock, all contributing to the rifle’s well-traveled character.
Condition reflects heavy use over more than a century of service. The rifle retains virtually none of its original blue finish, with the metal surfaces worn to an even silver-gray patina accompanied by scratches, dings, and corrosion staining throughout. The bore is semi-bright with defined rifling, showing light erosion and pitting concentrated in the grooves, and rates 6/10. Markings remain clear, and screw heads are tool marked but serviceable. The action functions correctly with a crisp trigger and properly operating half-cock and lever safeties. Overall, this Saddle Ring Carbine stands as an honest, well-worn survivor from the early smokeless era, offering a tangible connection to the hard use and frontier utility that defined Winchester’s Model 1894 legacy. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF
