Marlin Model 94, 1894 .32-20 WCF 24″ Lever Action Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,551.00‘

LSB#: LSB260522JR051

Make: Marlin

Model:  94, 1894

Serial Number: 367

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1920s-1930s

Caliber: 32-20 WCF

Action Type: Lever action, centerfire rifle, fed from tubular magazine. 

Barrel Length: 24″ 

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf V notch with elevator dovetailed into the barrel. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight. Two holes have been drilled and tapped for a scope base on the left side of the barrel. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and smooth steel buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/4″ from trigger to buttplate. The stock has been refinished. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There is a notable dent on the right side of the forend. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Very Good condition as refinished.  

Type of Finish:  Blued, Color Case

Finish Originality: Original 

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its original finish. Some of the bluing has worn to a brown patina. There is thinned bluing near the muzzle. There are scratches and corrosion freckles throughout. The receiver color case is muted with corrosion staining. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None 

Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 94 is a classic small-frame lever-action sporting rifle built around Marlin’s solid-top, side-ejecting action and chambered here in .32-20 W.C.F. This example features a 24″ barrel, full-length tubular magazine, straight-grip walnut furniture, smooth steel buttplate, and traditional barrel-mounted sights. The left side of the barrel has also been drilled and tapped for a scope base, reflecting later adaptation for optical use.

The Model 1894 evolved from Marlin’s earlier Model 1889 and became one of the company’s most successful pistol-caliber lever actions. Chamberings such as .32-20 W.C.F. made these rifles useful for small game, varmints, ranch work, and general sporting use, while Marlin’s side-ejecting receiver distinguished the design from competing lever rifles. Examples from the 1920s and 1930s remain especially appealing as practical prewar sporting arms with traditional walnut and blued-steel construction.

This rifle retains about 40% of its original finish, with portions of the blue worn to brown patina, thinning near the muzzle, scattered scratches, corrosion freckling, and muted case color on the receiver. The refinished walnut stocks remain in Very Good condition with scratches, compression dents, and a notable dent on the right side of the forend but no chips or cracks. The bright bore has sharp rifling and rates 9/10 with only light fouling, while the action functions correctly. Overall, this is a Good-condition Marlin Model 94 with a strong bore, desirable .32-20 chambering, and solid vintage sporting appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF