Winchester Model 1894 94 Carbine 20″ .25-35 WCF Lever Action Rifle 1917 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,675.00
LSB#: LSB251016KS164
Make: Winchester
Model: 94 Saddle Ring Carbine
Serial Number: 842829
Year of Manufacture: 1917
Caliber: .25-35 Winchester Center Fire (WCF)
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “Model 94 Winchester Nickel Steel, 25-35 WCF”. The top of the barrel at the receiver and the top of the receiver’s chamber ring are marked with “WP” proofs. The barrel has a second “P” proof indicating that the barrel was replaced outside the Winchester factory. The underside of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 20″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marbles beaded blade pinned into an integral base. The rear sight is a non factory Marbles leaf style with elevator. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with banded forend, semi pistol grip, straight comb and checkered hard rubber buttplate.The stock has been sanded and lightly refinished. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a light crack on the bottom of the wrist. There is a chip on the upper stock where it meets the receiver. There is oil darkening near the receiver. The LOP measures 13 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Good condition for C&R.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is distinct. There is erosion and light pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 15% of its metal finish. The majority of the finish has worn to a silver patina. There are some notable dings and scratches in the receiver. There is corrosion staining throughout. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this rifle is in Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle has a half-cock and a lever safety. We have not fired 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 Carbine dates to 1941 and represents one of the last civilian production carbines manufactured before the full wartime shift in American industry. By this period, the Model 94 had already cemented its reputation as the quintessential American deer rifle, valued for its reliability, light weight, and fast handling characteristics. The 20 inch round barrel carbine configuration exemplifies Winchester’s most popular field format, offering a compact profile well suited to dense timber and saddle use.
Chambered in .32 Winchester Special, this rifle reflects a cartridge introduced in 1901 that appealed to hunters seeking slightly heavier bullet weights and a larger bore than the .30-30, while still maintaining manageable recoil and effective performance on deer sized game. The bore is semi bright with well defined rifling, showing light, even erosion and scattered pitting consistent with age and use, rating 7 out of 10. Barrel and tang markings remain clear, and the tang drilling reflects a common period provision for mounting a precision rear sight.
Overall condition is good for a C&R example, retaining approximately 50 percent of its original blued finish. The barrel and receiver show honest field wear, with the receiver worn to a silver patina and scattered corrosion staining and handling marks throughout. The walnut stocks display typical use wear, including compression dents and scratches, along with a notable gouge on the left side of the buttstock, though no cracks are present. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with proper safety operation and a crisp trigger, presenting this carbine as a well used but historically representative late prewar Winchester Model 1894 chambered in .32 Winchester Special. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!! MF