Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1894 Rifle

Serial Number: 3250

Year of Manufacture: 1894, Antique

Caliber: .38-55

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

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “-MANUFACTURED BY THE- / -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.” and “38-55” at the rear. The bottom-front of the receiver is marked “3250”, the top tang is marked “MODEL 1894. / -WINCHESTER- / PAT.AUG.21.1894.”.

Barrel Length: 26”, Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed and screw set to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight with fine elevation adjustment, dovetailed to the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present).

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 are a few dents and shallow gouges. There is a small chip on the right side of the handguard at the receiver. There are no cracks. 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 mostly bright with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion throughout the bore but no deep pitting is notable. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its finish. The metal retains some remnants of blue on the protected areas but most of the finish has taken to a patina or worn to white around the edges, especially the tangs. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp with serviceable slots. There is some case color in the protected areas but most of the finish has muted. There is minor erosion along the edges of the receiver, especially at the bottom. There are nicks along the length of the barrel and light erosion. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good 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: None.

Our Assessment: This 4-digit Winchester Model 1894, serial number 3250, 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 26” 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 a few minor dings and a small chip at the forend, but no cracks. 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.