Winchester Pre-64 Model 1894 ’94 26” .32 WS Lever Action Rifle MFD 1913 C&R
SOLD FOR: $780
WOA#: WY240201KD032
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894
Serial Number: 662767
Year of Manufacture: 1913
Caliber: .32 Winchester Special
Action Type: This is a Lever Action Rifle with a Full Length Magazine Tube.
Markings: The receiver’s chamber ring and the top rear of the barrel have an ovalled “WP” proof. The left side of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEAING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN.CONN.U.S.A. PATENTED AUGUST 32.1894” and “32 W.S. at the chamber. The front underside of the receiver is marked “662767”. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1894 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG.U.S.PAT. OFF”.
Barrel Length: 26”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel, the notch is fine adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight, but none is present.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks and scratches and scuffs. There is a very small crack at the left side of the buttstock at the buttplate. There is finish loss at the front of the comb. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks and buttplate have been refinished. Overall, the stocks are in about Good-plus condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with well defined rifling. There is some minor scattered erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its finish. Parts of the barrel are turning a plum hue. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches There are some deeper nicks on the muzzle. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition for refinished 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.
