Winchester 1894 94 John Wayne Commemorative 32-40 Lever Action 1981 ATF C&R
SOLD FOR: $1525
LSB#: 210121MS01
Make: Winchester
Model: 94 Carbine John Wayne Commemorative
Serial Number: JW29044
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 29044”. The sides of the receiver are scroll engraved and show 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 straight grip, straight comb, and 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 1/4” 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, only faint stubborn fouling.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The lever and bottom tang show a bit of oxidation wear the lanyard was wrapped around. There are a few tiny pits on the top of the chamber ring. Otherwise, there are only faint handling marks. 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. The foam tray has a hole in the bottom where the saddle ring has poked through with other minor dents from storage, and rates in about Very Good condition. The exterior foam sleeve has a tear on the top and bottom and shows extensive rub wear at the edges, rating in about Fair-Good condition. Also included are a small group of factory paperwork and a leather lanyard cord, in 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!