Winchester 1894 94 Takedown 20″.32 WS Lever Rifle MFD 1915 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,401.99
LSB#: LSB251016KS081
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894 Takedown Rifle
Serial Number: 768271
Year of Manufacture: 1915/ C&R
Caliber: .32 Winchester Special.
Action Type: This rifle has a takedown lever action with a half-length tubular magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “Nickel Steel Barrel Especially for Smokeless Powder 32 WS” The right side of the barrel is marked “Model 94 Winchester Trademark” and “CHERRIES GSO, NC” The upper tang is marked “Model 1894 Winchester Trademark Reg US Pat Off & FGN”
Barrel Length: 20″, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a base soldered to the barrel The rear sight is a Winchester leaf sight with elevator that has been dovetailed into the barrel The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece smooth walnut, semi pistol grip, straight comb, with a steel shotgun buttplate. The stocks have been refinished. There are light scattered handling marks and compression dents, mostly on the buttstock. The buttplate is proud in a couple spots. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition for a refinish.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is well defined. There is light erosion evenly throughout the bore. There is pitting scattered in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The rifle has been refinished. The barrel has been shortened from a 24″ to a 20″. The bluing is dark and clean. There are some polish marks that show through. There are some scratches and handling marks scattered throughout. The markings range from clear to completely removed. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition for a refinish.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety and the lever safety functions properly. 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: This Winchester Model 1894 Takedown Rifle dates to 1915 and represents a well used but historically interesting example of Winchester’s most successful sporting lever action during the early smokeless powder era. The takedown configuration was a desirable factory option, allowing the rifle to be separated for transport and storage while retaining proper alignment when assembled. Originally configured as a longer sporting rifle, this example has since been altered to a handier 20 inch barrel length, giving it a compact, fast handling profile while still retaining its period takedown action and classic Model 94 lines.
Chambered in .32 Winchester Special, the rifle reflects a cartridge introduced in 1901 to bridge the gap between black powder traditions and smokeless performance. Favored by hunters who appreciated its slightly larger bore and heavier bullet compared to the .30-30, the .32 WS was also popular among handloaders of the period. The bore on this rifle is semi bright with well defined rifling, showing light erosion and scattered pitting consistent with age and use, and rates 7 out of 10. The Nickel Steel Barrel marking highlights Winchester’s early emphasis on smokeless compatible metallurgy, while the tang drilling reflects a common period practice for adding a precision sight.
Overall condition reflects refinishing and modification carried out later in the rifle’s life. Approximately 95 percent of the refinish remains, with dark, even bluing showing polish marks and scattered handling wear. The shortened barrel and softened or removed markings further indicate alteration from original factory configuration. The refinished walnut stocks present well, with only light handling marks and no structural cracks, though the buttplate fit shows slight proud edges. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with proper safety operation and a crisp trigger, presenting this rifle as a solid, mechanically sound takedown Winchester that clearly shows both its early twentieth century origins and its later working life. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!! MF
