(PRE-64) Winchester 1894 Model (94) .30-30 WCF Lever Action Rifle 1920 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,275
WOA#: WY240203LSB019
Make: Winchester
Model: 1894 (94)
Serial Number: 916842
Year of Manufacture: 1920
Caliber: .30 W.C.F. Winchester Center Fire
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED AUGUST 21. 1894.” in front of the rear sight dovetail, “-NICKEL STEEL BARREL- / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER” below the dovetail and at the receiver with “30 W.C.F.”. The top of the barrel at the rear and the top of the chamber ring are each marked with an ovalled “WP” proof. The front underside of the receiver is marked “916842”. The top tang is marked “MODEL 94 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. & FGN.”. The buttplate is marked “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS”. The bottom of the receiver in front of the trigger is marked “6”.
Barrel Length: 20″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall blade pinned to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a f ladder-style sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb and smooth metal buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches, some of these have damaged portions of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Good-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore. The bore rates 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in light surface oxidation on the receiver. There are a few scattered minor nicks and scratches. The screw heads are sharp. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. The barrel has turned a nice plum color. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition for a C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety and there is a lever safety. 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: From a collector’s perspective, the Winchester 1894 Model (94) chambered in .30-30 WCF and manufactured in 1920 holds significant historical and cultural value. As one of the most iconic lever-action rifles ever produced, the Model 94 has earned a place in firearms history for its role in shaping the American West and its enduring popularity among shooters and enthusiasts.
Produced during the golden age of lever-action rifles, this Winchester Model 94 represents a time when firearms manufacturing was transitioning from traditional craftsmanship to modern industrial production methods. As such, examples from this era often exhibit a blend of hand-finished details and early machine-made components, adding to their charm and appeal among collectors.
The .30-30 Winchester cartridge, specifically designed for the Model 94, further enhances the rifle’s collectibility. As one of the first smokeless powder cartridges, the .30-30 WCF was revolutionary in its time and played a significant role in popularizing lever-action rifles for hunting and sporting use. A Model 94 chambered in .30-30 Winchester from 1920 represents a piece of firearms history that collectors value for its historical significance, craftsmanship, and enduring appeal. Please see our photos and good luck bidding!! C.J.
