Winchester Model 1894 .32-40 28” Octagon Lever Action Rifle Letter C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,725.00
LSB#: LSB260629EB036
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Model: 1894
Serial Number: 178102
Year of Manufacture: 1903 / C&R
Caliber: .32-40 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top barrel flat is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED AUGUST 21. 1894.” The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1894 / -WINCHESTER- / PAT. AUG. 21. 1894.”
Barrel Length: 28”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch buckhorn leaf dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece smooth wood set with a straight wrist, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks show scattered compression marks and handling wear. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: The rifle has a fixed full-length tubular magazine in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is erosion throughout the bore. In the writers opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows wear and patina. A screw on the left side of the receiver has been replaced. The corresponding receiver hole is oblong and there are heavy tool marks surrounding the opening. The screw heads show use. The pins are serviceable. The markings are generally clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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: This rifle includes a Winchester factory letter from the Cody Firearms Museum. The letter confirms serial number 178102 as a .32-40 rifle with a 28” octagonal barrel and plain trigger. The serial number was applied April 24, 1903. The rifle was received in the warehouse November 28, 1903 and shipped November 30, 1903 under order number 206919.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1894 is one of John Moses Browning’s most enduring lever-action designs and became one of the defining American sporting rifles of the late 19th and 20th centuries. The .32-40 was one of the Model 1894’s original chamberings and had already earned a strong reputation for accuracy as both a target and sporting cartridge. This 1903 example is particularly appealing in its early rifle configuration with a 28” octagonal barrel, full-length magazine, straight-grip stock, and crescent buttplate. The included Cody Firearms Museum factory letter adds considerable collector interest by confirming the rifle’s original .32-40 chambering, 28” octagonal barrel, and plain trigger configuration.
This rifle retains about 40% of its original finish with the balance showing an aged patina and honest handling and operational wear. The stocks remain in Very Good condition with scattered compression marks. The bore is bright with well-defined rifling, though there is erosion throughout. A left-side receiver screw has been replaced, the receiver hole is oblong, and there are heavy tool marks surrounding the opening. The action functions correctly. With its factory-documented configuration, desirable .32-40 chambering, and long octagonal barrel, this is a well-documented early Winchester Model 1894 with strong collector appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.