Winchester 1894 94 John Wayne Commemorative .32-40 Lever Action Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,775.00
WOA#: WY240531LM001
Make: Winchester
Model: Model 94 John Wayne Commemorative.
Serial Number: JW 40547
Caliber: .32-40 WCF
Action Type: Oversized 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. The sides of the receiver are scroll engraved and with scenes from his movies. The titles of many of his western movies are engraved around the border. John Wayne’s signature is engraved on the upper tang. There is a medallion inset into the right side of the buttstock. The medallion has a portrait of John Wayne with his name written above it.
Barrel Length: 18.5” Round
Sights / Optics: This carbine is mounted with a “U” notched semi-buckhorn rear sight mounted in a dovetail. The front sight is a blade mounted in a dovetail on the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a checkered matte finished extra fancy wood with beautiful grain. The straight hand buttstock has a carbine style blued buttplate. On the right side, it has a medallion with a picture of John Wayne and his name. The stocks have light handling marks, with a few small nicks at the receiver joint. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The buttplate has some very fine surface lines. Overall the furniture is in Very Fine to Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Stainless
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 9.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is operational wear on the friction surfaces of the lever, bolt, and hammer, the silver in the corner of the W in Wayne has come off. There are some marks on the top of the barrel near the receiver. The markings are clear, the pins and screws are clean. Overall this rifle is in about Very Fine 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 includes a pitbull nylon case.
Our Assessment: The Winchester 1894 John Wayne Commemorative Edition is a special tribute to one of America’s most iconic Western film stars and one of the most famous rifles in American history. Introduced in 1981, this limited-edition lever-action rifle was designed to honor John Wayne, whose on-screen persona epitomized the rugged, independent spirit of the American West. Chambered in the classic .32-40 Winchester cartridge, the Winchester 1894 John Wayne Commemorative Edition is not only a functional firearm but also a collector’s piece, adorned with unique features that celebrate Wayne’s legacy and his association with the Winchester rifle.
This commemorative edition stands out with its distinctive aesthetic details. The rifle features a large loop lever, reminiscent of the one used by John Wayne in many of his films, allowing for rapid cycling of the action even while wearing gloves. The rifle’s 18.5-inch barrel and walnut stock are complemented by intricate engravings on the receiver, which include scenes from Wayne’s movies and his signature. The receiver and lever are finished in a bright silver tone, adding to the rifle’s striking appearance. The stock is inlaid with a medallion bearing John Wayne’s likeness, further enhancing its appeal as a tribute to the legendary actor and his contribution to the Western genre.
Functionally, the Winchester 1894 retains the reliability and smooth operation for which the Model 1894 is renowned. Designed by John Browning, the Model 1894 was one of the first rifles to be chambered for smokeless powder cartridges, revolutionizing lever-action rifle design. The .32-40 Winchester cartridge, although not as common today, offers a connection to the rifle’s historical roots, providing moderate recoil and sufficient power for medium game hunting, consistent with the rifle’s original purpose.
The Winchester 1894 John Wayne Commemorative Edition appeals not only to fans of John Wayne but also to collectors of Western firearms and enthusiasts of American film and culture. It represents a fusion of function and artistry, celebrating a rifle that played a significant role in American history and a movie star who embodied the spirit of the frontier. Please see our high quality photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
