Winchester Pre-64 Model 1894 ’94 20” .32 WS Lever Action Rifle MFD 1946 C&R
SOLD FOR: $731.44
WOA#: WY240201KD005
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894
Serial Number: 1368410
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Caliber: .32 Winchester Special
Action Type: Lever Action, Magazine Tube Fed
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN.CONN.U.S.OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-”, “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”, “-MODEL 94-32W.S.-”. The bottom front of the receiver is marked “1368410”. The top of the barrel and receiver are marked with Winchester WP proofs.
Barrel Length: 20”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a raised textured ramped base with side slots for its missing hood. The rear sight dovetail is empty. The left side of the receiver is mounted with a LYMAN target aperture sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, sling stud on the belly, and steel flat checkered buttplate. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks and buttplate have been refinished. The stocks fit shy to the receiver and tangs. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition as refinished. There are no chips or cracks. There are some minor compressions.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is a patch of stubborn corrosion on the bottom of the bore a few inches from the muzzle and in the grooves. Other than this the bore is very clean. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10 for C&R.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its finish. The action shows operational wear. There is some thinning on the leading edges. There is some finish loss on the front sight and at the muzzle. The screw heads are sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. There are some scratches on the receiver. There is a small patch of concentrated freckled pitting on the left side of the receiver. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition for C&R.
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 in .32 Winchester Special is a rifle steeped in American tradition and innovation. Introduced in 1901, the .32 Winchester Special was designed as a compromise between the more powerful .30-30 Winchester and the older .32-40 Winchester, offering a unique option for hunters and shooters. This cartridge provided a slightly larger bore with the potential for using heavier bullets, making it particularly effective for medium-sized game at moderate ranges. The .32 Special’s ability to be loaded with both smokeless and black powder was a significant advantage during its early years, appealing to those transitioning between the eras of ammunition technology.
The Model 1894 itself, designed by the legendary John Browning, is celebrated for its significant impact on the firearms world, being one of the most popular hunting rifles of all time. Its lever-action mechanism and overall design efficiency set a new standard in firearm technology, offering reliability, fast follow-up shots, and ease of use. The Model 1894’s smooth action and solid construction made it beloved among frontiersmen, ranchers, and sportsmen alike, contributing to its long-standing reputation as “The Ultimate Lever-Action.”
The combination of the Winchester Model 1894 and the .32 Winchester Special cartridge represents a pivotal moment in firearms history, bridging the gap between the black powder and smokeless powder eras. This rifle’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its balanced performance in the field, its historical significance, and its role in the development of American hunting culture. Collectors and enthusiasts cherish the Model 1894 in .32 Winchester Special for its craftsmanship, historical value, and the sense of heritage it embodies, making it a prized piece in any collection. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
