Winchester Pre-64 1894 94 Saddle Ring Carbine .38-55 Lever Rifle, MFD 1932
SOLD FOR: $4,575.00
LSB#: 241207AA244
Make: Winchester
Model: 94
Serial Number: 1087711
Year of Manufacture: 1932
Caliber: .38-55 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 20” Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, serrated, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a ladder sight dovetailed to the barrel with a fixed u-notch when down and a sliding u notch when up marked out to 20. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel buttplate. The stocks have some scattered scuffs and scratches as well as a few nicks. The wood is dark at the receiver where it meets metal. 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 worn to white and oxidation throughout. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal refinish. The finish is thinning at the leading edges and muzzle. There is oxidation, rust, and corrosion intermittently throughout the metal, primarily around the receiver. There is loading wear on the loading plate. There are a scattered scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fair-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 Saddle Ring Carbine in .38-55 is a classic lever-action rifle designed by John Browning and introduced in 1894. It was one of the first commercial rifles chambered for smokeless powder cartridges, making it a revolutionary firearm in its time. The .38-55 WCF was one of the original calibers offered and is known for its accuracy and versatility, making it a popular choice for hunting medium to large game. The Saddle Ring Carbine variant features a shorter barrel (typically 20 inches), a barrel band, a straight-grip walnut stock, and a saddle ring mounted on the left side of the receiver, a feature originally designed for horseback carry. The rifle’s smooth cycling action and robust construction helped solidify its place as one of the most iconic lever guns of all time.
The Model 1894 became one of the most successful lever-action rifles in history, remaining in production for well over a century. The Saddle Ring Carbine versions are particularly desirable among collectors, especially those with original finish and markings intact. The .38-55 WCF cartridge, known for its moderate recoil and effective range, has seen a resurgence in popularity among hunters and black-powder cartridge shooters who appreciate its accuracy and traditional ballistics. With its rich history, reliable action, and classic Western aesthetic, the Winchester Model 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine in .38-55 remains a highly sought-after firearm for both shooters and collectors alike. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
