Winchester Pre-64 Model 1894 Trapper .30-30 W.C.F. 16″ Lever Rifle 1923 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,132.00
LSB#: LSB260418WS015
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine
Serial Number: 957173
Year of Manufacture: 1923 / C&R
Caliber: .30-30 W.C.F.
Action Type: This is a Lever Action Rifle with a Full Length Magazine Tube.
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN.CONN.U.S.A. PATENTED AUGUST 21.1894.”, “-NICKEL STEEL BARREL- / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER”, “.30 W.C.F.”. The top of the barrel and receiver are marked with Winchester “WP” proofs. The top tang is marked “MODEL 94 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG.U.S.PAT.OFF.&FGN.”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “957173”.
Barrel Length: 16″ Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade set and pinned in a square block integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a 3-leaf express sight dovetailed to the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb and carbine style steel buttplate. There are a few light handling marks. The LOP measures about 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The right side of the wrist has a small crack. There are scattered compressions. The stocks have been sanded and refinished. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright and the rifling is defined. There is light to mild erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its metal finish. Most of the finish on the receiver has worn to white and taken to a light mottled patina. There is blue reserved in the protected areas. There are scattered handling marks and standard operational wear. There is thinning on the leading edges and at the muzzle. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition as.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. The lever safety is present and fully 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 Saddle Ring Carbine is among the most storied lever-actions ever produced, and the short-barreled “Trapper” configuration represents one of its most sought-after variants. Chambered in .30-30 W.C.F. and built in 1923, this example carries the gravitas of a century of American frontier heritage — the Pre-64 designation alone commands serious attention from collectors who know what changed when Winchester moved production to cost-saving methods after 1964.
At 16 inches, the barrel gives this carbine exceptional handiness in tight quarters, whether on horseback, in a saddle scabbard, or in dense brush country. The three-leaf express rear sight is a welcome feature, offering versatility at varying ranges, and the top tang has been drilled and tapped for a period tang sight should a future owner wish to restore that capability.
The metal finish has worn considerably — retaining roughly 30% blue with the receiver having largely gone to a light mottled patina — and the stocks have been sanded and refinished. Neither detracts meaningfully from the character of a working-grade antique carbine at this age, and both are consistent with a firearm that spent decades doing what it was built to do. The bore shows light to mild erosion but retains defined rifling, rating 6/10. Mechanically, the action is crisp and correct, with both the half-cock and lever safeties functioning as designed. This will make an excellent addition to any Winchester collection. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.