Winchester Pre-64 1894 94 Carbine .30-30 Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1955 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,150.00
LSB#: LSB251207SJ017
Make: Winchester
Model: 94
Serial Number: 2102724
Year of Manufacture: 1955
Caliber: .30-30 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Carbine with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “Made in New Haven Conn US of America, Winchester Trade Mark, Model 94, 30-30 Win” The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 20″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated, ramped base integral to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notched elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a receiver sight, none installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, and checkered steel buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are scattered scratches, handling wear, and compression dents throughout. There are spots of weathered finish loss, most notably on the forend. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks are in Good Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is finish loss on leading edges. There are scratches, handling wear, and a few light corrosion freckles. The bluing on the lower front of the receiver is heavily worn from carrying. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle has a half-cock safety and a lever safety. We have not fired 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 94 Carbine is inseparable from the American deer woods, and this 1955 pre 64 example reflects the classic New Haven production that collectors and shooters alike continue to seek. Designed by John Browning and introduced in 1894, the Model 94 became the standard by which sporting lever actions were judged. This 20 inch carbine, with its banded forend, straight grip walnut stock, and checkered steel buttplate, maintains the trim, fast handling balance that made it a favorite in thick timber and on horseback. The receiver remains drilled and tapped for a receiver sight, allowing for period correct upgrades while retaining the factory beaded front and fine adjustable rear elevator sight.
Chambered in .30-30 Winchester, the rifle carries one of the most successful sporting cartridges ever introduced. Debuting in 1895 as one of the first widely adopted smokeless sporting rounds, the .30-30 typically launches a 150 or 170 grain bullet at practical hunting velocities that have accounted for generations of North American deer. The bore on this example is bright with sharp rifling, showing no erosion and rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion, with some fouling present. The action functions correctly and retains both the traditional half cock safety and lever safety, preserving the familiar and secure manual of arms that defines the 94 platform.
This rifle retains approximately 90 percent of its original blue finish, with honest thinning along the leading edges and heavier wear on the lower front of the receiver consistent with carry. There are scattered scratches, handling marks, and a few light corrosion freckles, while screw heads remain sharp and markings clear. The walnut stocks are in Good Plus condition, showing scattered scratches, compression dents, and areas of weathered finish loss most noticeable on the forend, but no chips or cracks. Altogether, this is a well maintained pre 64 Model 94 Carbine that reflects decades of responsible use while preserving the character and performance that made Winchester’s lever action a cornerstone of American sporting history. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF