Winchester Model 1894 Solid Frame .38-55 26” Lever Rifle Antique 1896
SOLD FOR: $1,235.00
LSB#: WY241202MH034
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894 Solid Frame Rifle
Serial Number: 56034
Year of Manufacture: 1896, Antique
Caliber: .38-55
Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a full-length tubular magazine.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE / WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO., NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.”, “38-55”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “56034”. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1894 / -WINCHESTER- / PAT. AUG. 21. 1894”.
Barrel Length: 26”, Full Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post globe sight dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight with fine elevation adjustment, dovetailed to the barrel. The tang has been installed with a Lyman adjustable peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks display light handling wear with a few scratches, compressions, and nicks scattered about. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks are shy to the meta, especially at the receiver. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as refinished antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some erosion concentrated at the midlength. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The blue refinish has begun turning a plum hue in varying degrees throughout the barrel, receiver, and parts. There is minor erosion under the blue at the muzzle. There are scratches scattered about the barrel and receiver. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition as refinished antique. (Please see Mechanics)
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety which still releases when pulling the trigger. The lever safety is present but non functional. 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 Winchester Model 1894 rifle followed the other John Browning designed lever action rifles to become one of the most famous and popular hunting rifles of all time. It was the first commercial sporting rifle to sell over 7,000,000 units, making the name “Winchester” synonymous with all lever action rifles. It was also the first commercial American repeating rifle built to be used with smokeless powder. It was introduced in 1894 in two black powder cartridges, the .32-40 and .38-55 Win. rounds, but by the next year Winchester had developed a different steel composition that could handle higher pressures. This is a Winchester Model 1894 rifle made in 1896 with a 26” octagon barrel and chambered in .38-55 W.C.F. This rifle has been refinished so it looks great for its age and is a great find for the Winchester enthusiast and will sit nicely in your collection. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
