Winchester Model 94 John Wayne Commemorative Carbine .32-40 WIN 18½” Lever

SOLD FOR: $1,785.00

LSB#: LSB250731EK096

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Company

Model: Model 94 John Wayne Commemorative Carbine

Serial Number: JW18876 

Year of Manufacture: 1981 (U.S. Repeating Arms Company production, limited commemorative issue honoring John Wayne’s 50-year film legacy; verified by WinchesterCommemoratives.com and The Winchester Book by George Madis) ATF C&R (https://www.atf.gov/file/128116/download)

Caliber: .32-40 Winchester (32-40 WIN)

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle, tubular magazine

Barrel Length: 18½”

Markings: Receiver is engraved with classic western vignette scenes and carries multiple small legends referencing stagecoach and western subjects. Right side of the barrel is stamped “MODEL 94 32-40 WIN.” The forend cap bears a facsimile John Wayne signature plate and the top of the barrel is engraved “JOHN WAYNE COMMEMORATIVE.” Proof/inspection marks visible on the barrel near the receiver.

Barrel / Bore: Exterior barrel finish shows scattered handling wear and small finish loss; bore not dialed with a bore scope but visually the rifling appears defined. (Buyer encouraged to inspect bore to satisfy their requirements.)

Stock: Walnut stock and forend with original checkering. Stock shows attractive figured grain and some light handling/scuffing consistent with use; no major cracks or repairs observed in the images provided.

Sights / Optics: Tang-mounted elevation-adjustable rear sight remains serviceable; front sight is dovetail-mounted as original for this model.

Finish: Case-colored receiver with engraved scene retains an even patina and contrast; barrel and magazine tube retain a majority of original blue but show handling wear, small scattered finish loss, and light oxidation around the barrel/forend band. The forend band shows the most notable oxidation and finish thinning. The metalwork shows expected gentle wear consistent with a rifle that has seen use but been cared for.

Mechanics: Lever cycles smoothly and the action appears to function as intended from manual manipulation. Safety and lever engagement appear intact from visual inspection. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Accessories: Original John Wayne–marked Winchester .32-40 ammunition box and related paperwork (where present). Buyer note: the John Wayne ammunition box must be shipped separately from the rifle , and separate shipment payment for the boxed ammunition.

Condition Summary: Overall, a well-preserved John Wayne commemorative Model 94 with attractive walnut and engraved receiver work. The rifle shows honest, period-appropriate wear with the most notable finish loss and light oxidation at the forend/barrel band. Engraving and markings remain crisp and collectible; stocks are sound and present nicely.

Our Assessment:

“Well, howdy, Pilgrim.” That’s the first thing that comes to mind when you lay eyes on this Winchester Model 94 John Wayne Commemorative Carbine. It’s a rifle that doesn’t just sit pretty in the box — it tells a story. The kind of story carved out of Monument Valley dust and big-screen glory. Released in 1981 to honor America’s favorite cowboy, this lever-action carbine pays tribute to a man who helped define the Western spirit — John Wayne himself. Every line of engraving on the receiver recalls the films that made him an icon: Stagecoach, Red River, True Grit, The Searchers, and so many more. The metalwork gleams with that brushed-nickel finish that sets off the deep blue of the barrel, and the polished walnut stock bears a medallion with the Duke’s unmistakable likeness — hat, grin, and all. It’s as American as dust, leather, and a long ride home.

The .32-40 Winchester chambering nods to a bygone era, a cartridge once favored by frontier marksmen for its mild recoil and flat trajectory — perfect for deer in the timber or a tin can on the fence post. By the early 1900s, it had given way to faster rounds, but for this commemorative, Winchester chose it with purpose. The .32-40 wasn’t just another number — it was a callback to the cartridge that helped build Winchester’s reputation in the lever-gun age. This rifle, reminds us that some classics don’t need to keep up; they just need to stand tall.

This example shows light oxidation around the barrel band and modest finish wear on the metal — the kind of honest aging that gives a rifle character rather than fault. The checkered walnut stock still shows proud figure and sheen, with crisp edges on the forend and a warm tone that pairs perfectly with the engraved steel. The receiver’s detailed vignettes remain sharp, and the John Wayne signature plate under the forend cap still catches the light like a badge of honor. Mechanically, the lever and safety operate just as the Duke would’ve expected — smooth, confident, no-nonsense.

And then there’s the complete presentation: the Styrofoam cradle and illustrated sleeve box, the orange John Wayne instruction booklet, the commemorative medallion, the leather thong kit, and the special Winchester ammunition box — marked “32-40 John Wayne” — which will ship separately. Together, it’s not just a rifle but a full ensemble, a piece of Winchester’s commemorative history preserved in time.

The Winchester Model 94 John Wayne Commemorative is more than a firearm — it’s a salute to the hero of the American West, a man who stood for grit, loyalty, and doing what’s right. This carbine carries that same spirit: strong, timeless, and unmistakably genuine. As the Duke himself might’ve said, “Courage is being scared to death — but saddling up anyway.”

KF