Winchester Northwest Territories Centennial 94 24″ .30-30 Lever Rifle, 1970

SOLD FOR: $760

WOA#: WY240325BG003

Make: Winchester

Model: 94, Northwest Territories Centennial

Serial Number: NWT275

Year of Manufacture: 1970, ATF Modern

Caliber: .30-30 Winchester

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with 2/3 Length Tubular Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / MADE IN U.S.A.” and “30-30”. The top of the barrel at the rear is marked with a circled “WP” proof. The front underside of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The right of the barrel is marked “NORTHWEST TERRITORIES CENTENNIAL 1870-1970” in gold. The top tang is marked “TOMORROW’S COUNTRY”. The receiver flats have border engraving with a polar bear on the left.

Barrel Length: 24”, Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The left side of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is missing. The forend is smooth walnut, having only a few scattered minor marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the forend is in Fine-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Gold

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The buttstock and lower tang assembly are missing (including the trigger and mainspring). There are a few scattered minor nicks and scuffs. There is some oxidation on the muzzle. There is a little bit of finish loss at the left-rear of the receiver. The action shows little in the way of operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition as incomplete.

Mechanics: There are not enough parts to properly test the action. We see nothing to indicate that this rifle would not function correctly with properly installed parts. 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 Northwest Territories entered the Canadian Confederation in 1870 and 100 years later, they were rewarded with a commemorative Winchester 94 rifle. With a 24″ barrel, gold finish, and chambered for the .30-30 cartridge, it is a particularly polite gesture to a Canadian territory with a population density of approximately eight people per hundred square miles. This example is missing its buttstock and lower tang assembly, but is otherwise in pretty good shape. With a new back-end, it should still prove to be a good rifle for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud