Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1894 Rifle

Serial Number: 64

Year of Manufacture: 1894, Antique

Caliber: .38-55

Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a full-length tubular magazine.

Barrel Length: 24”, Octagonal, nominal. 24 1/4" measured.

Sights / Optics: The font sight is a Lyman #4 Ivory blade dovetailed to the barrel. There are some punch marks around the sight on the barrel. The rear sight is a ladder sight which presents a fixed u-notch when down and a sliding u-notch leaf when up, dovetailed and screw set to the barrel. The sights are replacements. The upper tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth wood with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have some scattered draglines, compressions and scratches. There is a tiny loss on the front left edge of the forend and a small chip at the rear of the right side. There are no cracks, only thin lines in the wood grain. The stocks appear to have been sanded and refinished. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color Lever and Hammer

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is generally bright with defined rifling where not interrupted by erosion. There is mild erosion down the length of the bore but no significant pitting. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 5% of its finish. Most of the finish has worn to white and taken to a light mottled patina. The case color is muted. There is some blue and case color on the lever assembly in the protected areas. There is light erosion. There are tool marks on the mag tube around the band and around the barrel near the chamber end. The front top right corner of the bolt is slightly bent upwards. There is small scattered areas of pitting. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good Plus condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety and the lever safety functions properly. 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: Comes with a Winchester Factory Letter.

Our Assessment: This 2-digit Winchester Model 1894, serial number 64, was manufactured in 1894—the first year of production—making it a true cornerstone piece for collectors of early Winchester lever actions. Chambered in .38-55 Winchester, one of the two original calibers offered at launch, this rifle features a 24” octagonal barrel and a full-length tubular magazine. It retains its original configuration with correct early-style markings, case colored lever and hammer, and an upper tang drilled for an optional tang sight. Though much of the original finish has given way to a smooth patina, and the bore shows light erosion, the rifle remains in solid mechanical condition with a functional action, crisp trigger, and sharp markings. The wood is in respectable shape for a 130-year-old rifle, with honest wear and light sanding. As one of only 14,579 1894s made in the inaugural year—before .30 WCF was even introduced—this rifle is a highly desirable early-production example of John Browning’s iconic design and would make a standout addition to any antique Winchester collection.