ANTIQUE Winchester Model 1894 .30 WCF 26" Lever Action Rifle, MFd 1898
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, and the .30-30 Win. family of cartridges was born. Not only was it a success, but as of 1983 it held the record for the best-selling center-fire rifle in U.S. history. 5,103,249 Winchester 1894's and 94's were produced from 1894 to 1983 alone and it didn't stop there. From 1984 to 1997, the Model 94 angle eject was introduced and in 2003 the iconic rifle was offered as a .410 shotgun. U.S. production ceased in 2006. At the time there were 14 versions of the Model 94 in the Winchester catalog. In 2010 Winchester Repeating Arms reintroduced the model 94 in two Limited edition models to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Oliver F. Winchester's birth in New England in 1810. This an ANTIQUE Winchester Model 1894 Rifle made in 1898 and has a 26" octagonal barrel chambered in .30-30 WCF.
Make: Winchester
Model: 1894
Serial Number: 129283
Year of Manufacture: 1898
Caliber: .30 WCF
Action Type: Lever Action, Full Length Tube Magazine
Barrel Length: 26"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded post dovetailed the barrel. The rear sight has three small leaves for 50, 100 and 200. A flip up peep sight is screwed to the top of the receiver tang.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece varnished wood. The wood stock features a nose cap, straight grip, straight comb and curved metal butt plate. The wood shows light scratches, some dings and other minor marks. The LOP measures 13.25" from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The stocks rate in about Very Good Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is black and the rifling is well defined. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion and for the age, the bore rates a 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 58% of its metal finish. The metal shows scratches, light scuffs and other marks. There is finish loss on most of the leading edges and muted finish in other areas. The screw heads are lightly tool marked. The markings are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus - Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
CA LEGALITY: CA Classified ANTIQUE: Yes.
RIFLE