Winchester U.S. Repeating Arms Custom 94AE Trapper 45 Colt Lever Rifle 1986
SOLD FOR: $1485
LSB#: 210814JE02
Make: Winchester, U.S. Repeating Arms Company
Model: Custom W.A.C.A. 94AE Trapper Carbine, 045 of 250
Serial Number: 5440045
Year of Manufacture: 1986
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER MODEL 94AE CAL. 45 COLT / -MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-“, the top at the rear has an ovalled “WP” proof. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number to the left of the lever plate. There is a brass inlay marked with the Winchester logo between “COLLECTOR ISSUE” and “ARMS COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION”.
Barrel Length: 16″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall pinched blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a buckhorn “U”-notch elevator sight with a whited diamond aim guide that is dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The leaf is reversible with a V-notch on the other side. The notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled in four places for an optic mount (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered wood with spade designs in the checkering, a banded forend, straight grip, straight comb and a blued steel carbine buttplate. The stocks have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There is some light tarnish on the brass inlay. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which shows no notable wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is some surface oxidation on the bottom lever plate. The metal receiver shows light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle has a rebounding hammer 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: Included is an assortment of factory paperwork including a manual and an original box with a serial matching label. The box shows discoloration, edge wear, and there is a split in the back side on the right.
Our Assessment: For more than a century, Winchester’s 1894 has served as the quintessential lever action rifle. The design is still in production today and finds favor with both hunters and those who just like shooting a lever action. This example is a Custom Model 94AE Trapper chambered for .45 Colt. There were only 250 of these W.A.C.A. Special Issues made with a special serial number range of 5440001 to 5440250. This is a great little brush gun that is short, light and handy, able to accept a scope, and chambered for a cartridge that is great for hunting small to medium game where closer shots are expected. It would just as well make a terrific addition to a Winchester collection. Please see our photos and good luck!