Pre-64 Winchester 1894 94 Carbine 20″ .25-35 WCF Lever Rifle 1950 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,691.00
LSB#: LSB260419DN045
Make: Winchester
Model: 94 Carbine
Serial Number: 1721306
Year of Manufacture: 1950 / C&R
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 “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-“, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“, “MODEL 94 – 25-35 WIN.-“. The top of the barrel at the receiver and the top of the receiver’s chamber ring are marked with ovalled “WP” proofs. The underside of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 20″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight with fine elevation adjustment, dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is intermittent finish loss on the buttstock. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in about Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no notable erosion. There is stubborn copper fouling that has oxidized down the length of the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows standard operational and handling wear. There is intermittent oxidation and freckling. There is thinning on the leading edges. There is finish loss on the bottom of the receiver. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle has a half-cock safety 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: The Winchester Model 1894 is one of the defining American lever-action rifles, and this 1950-made carbine carries the added collector appeal of being a pre-64 New Haven Winchester. While the .30-30 is the chambering most often associated with the Model 94, the .25-35 W.C.F. is far less commonly encountered and gives this rifle stronger desirability among collectors who seek the less-standard Winchester chamberings. About 3%-10% of Winchester 94 rifles were produced in .25-35, varying within certain batch ranges and became far more scarce after the 30’s. Introduced during the early smokeless-powder era, the .25-35 W.C.F. offered a flatter-shooting, lighter-recoiling option well suited for varmints, predators, and light deer-sized game, and it remains one of the more interesting period cartridges in the Model 1894 family. With its 20″ carbine barrel, full-length magazine, walnut stocks, checkered steel buttplate, and 1950 C&R status, this rifle offers the right mix of pre-64 Winchester provenance, classic field configuration, and scarce chambering appeal.
This example rates in Good condition, retaining about 65% of its original blue finish with honest field wear, clear markings, and a bright 8/10 bore showing sharp rifling with stubborn oxidized copper fouling. The stocks have been refinished and show scattered handling marks, but remain free of chips or cracks. Overall, this is a desirable pre-64 Winchester Model 94 carbine in the less-common .25-35 W.C.F. chambering, making it a strong candidate for collectors of classic Winchester lever guns and scarce-caliber Model 94s. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.