Pre-64 Winchester Model 1894 .38-55 26″ Octagonal Takedown Lever Rifle, C&R

SOLD FOR: $1100

LSB#: 220117LJ042

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1894

Serial Number: 534079

Year of Manufacture: 1910

Caliber: .38-55 Winchester

Action Type: This rifle has a takedown lever action with a full-length tubular magazine.

Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED AUGUST 21. 1894.” and at the receiver with “38-55”. The top of the barrel at the rear and chamber ring is marked with the Winchester proof. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1894 / –WINCHESTER– / TRADE MARK REG. IN. U.S. PAT. OFF.”. The lower tang ahead of the trigger is marked “32”.

Barrel Length: The octagon barrel is 26” in length.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman brass beaded blade that is dovetailed into the top of the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn elevator sight with a finely adjustable U-notched leaf that is dovetailed to the top of the barrel. The upper tang has a small drilled & tapped hole for mounting an aperture sight (not included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a capped forend, straight grip and comb, and a carbine smooth steel buttplate. The checkering has heart-shaped patterns with smooth diamonds in the center. The stocks are not original to the rifle. There is some light material loss on the top left corner of the grip. The buttstock shows dispersed minor draglines and light compressions. These imperfections are also found on the forearm in less frequency. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows finish loss with erosion at the heel and toe and several dings and scratches. The stocks rate in about Very Good condition as not original to the rifle and would rate higher if not for the material loss.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original with cold blue treatment.

Bore Condition: The bore is dark with erosion and the rifling is visible.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is in areas of loss with cold blue treatment that has turned a brownish color. Most of the remaining original blue is in protected areas, on the nose cap, and scattered throughout the receiver. There are several scattered nicks and dings throughout the metal. Most of the finish on the barrel and magazine tube. The hammer knurling shows light wear. The screw heads are mostly sharp and the markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as touched up.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. The rifle is equipped with a lever safety, which is operational. The lever lock-ups tightly and the trigger is crisp. We did not fire 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 Model 94’s combination of potent firepower in a compact, lightweight, comfortable-to-carry, and quick-shooting package has made it an extremely popular hunting rifle, particularly for white-tailed deer in the dense forests of the Eastern United States, where most game is killed at relatively short distances. As a result, it was the first sporting rifle to sell over 7,000,000 units. This is a Takedown variation Winchester Model 1894 Rifle made in 1910. It has a 26” octagonal barrel chambered in .38-55 Winchester. This rifle is in about Good condition with about 30% of its finish remaining. This rifle will sit nicely in your Winchester collection. Please see our photos and good luck!