Winchester 1894 94 John Wayne Commemorative 32-40 Lever Action 1981 ATF C&R

SOLD FOR: $2351

LSB#: 210326ND01

Make: Winchester

Model: 94 Carbine John Wayne Commemorative

Serial Number: JW22368

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1981; this rifle is on the ATF C&R list

Caliber: .32-40 WCF

Action Type: Large Loop Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Fed Rifle

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER –®– MODEL 94 32-40 WIN. / MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”. The top of the barrel is marked with a “WP” proof, the right is marked “JOHN WAYNE COMMEMORATIVE”. The underside of the receiver is marked with the serial number “JW 22368”. The sides of the receiver are scroll engraved and with scenes from his films. The titles of many of his western movies including The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and True Grit are engraved along the border. John Wayne’s signature is engraved on the upper tang. There is a medallion featuring Wayne with his name above inset into the right side of the buttstock. The lower foam tray insert of the original factory box is serialized to the rifle and reflects its configuration.

Barrel Length: 18 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge style blade mounted in a dovetail on the barrel. This carbine is mounted with a “U” notched semi-buckhorn rear elevator sight mounted in a dovetail.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered dull finished extra fancy stocks with beautiful grain. The buttstock has a carbine style blued buttplate. There is hardly a handling mark and the wood is free of any defects or notable imperfections. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which shows no notable imperfections. Overall, the stocks rate in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued and Pewter

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The receiver and lever show extremely light freckles of oxidation. The bands show some thinning on the sides. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in  Fine-Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in its serial matching factory box with foam inserts—the lower insert has a serialized end label and is molded to the rifle’s form factor. Also included are a brown leather scabbard marked with the Winchester logo and “WINCHESTER / Model 94 / John Wayne Commemorative”, a wall mount engraved with the scene of a cowboy shooting at Indians from a wagon being pulled by horses, and two 20-count John Wayne commemorative boxes of 32-40 WCF rounds. The sleeve for the box is marked “WINCHESTER MODEL 94 JOHN WAYNE COMMEMORATIVE”, and has color pictures of John Wayne and scenes from his films. The outer sleeve shows storage wear with small tears in the right front edge, and rates in Very Good condition. The foam items are intact but do have minor dents and wear at the edges, and rate Very Good-plus condition. A small group of factory paper (with permanent bending, in Good condition) and a leather lanyard cord, in Excellent condition. The wall mount and scabbard show little wear and are in about Fine-Excellent condition.

Our Assessment: This is an attractive commemorative Winchester 1894 rifle in .32-40, manufactured in 1981 to honor John Wayne, America’s favorite cowboy. The rifle features checkering on the grip and forend, engraved pewter plated receiver and pewter plated barrel bands. The rifle retains about 96% of its metal finishes, the bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, the stocks are free from major damage and have exceptional grain. The original serialized foam insert, outer cardboard sleeve and the photographed accessories are included in this auction, making it a very nice find for Winchester collectors and fans of John Wayne’s movies. Unless you grabbed one in 1981, you likely won’t find one in better condition, if you have another in worse shape, you can take it to the range now and store THIS one at home in honor of The Duke!