Make: Winchester
Model: 94, John Wayne Commemorative 1 of 1,000
Serial Number: DUKE784
Year of Manufacture: 1981, ATF C&R
Caliber: .32-40 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Carbine with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 18 1/2"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a "U"-notch buckhorn elevator sight with white diamond aiming reference dovetailed to the barrel. The notch is fine-adjustable for elevation and can be reversed to present a "V"-notch. The left side of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a peep sight, none present.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered deluxe walnut, banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel carbine-style buttplate. The right of the buttstock has an inlaid John Wayne medallion. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks have minor handling wear and a few small scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stocks are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Antiqued Gold
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little minor fouling. In this writer's opinion this bore rates 9+/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original finish. There is minor handling wear. There is some finish discoloration from storage. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms a full cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a John Wayne Commemorative box, hang tag (detached from gun) and three boxes of John Wayne Commemorative .32-40 ammunition. The rifle's box and styrofoam tray show wear and tear from age and storage, the label is missing from the end of the tray.
Our Assessment: This is an attractive commemorative Winchester 1894 rifle in .32-40, manufactured in 1981 to honor John Wayne, America’s favorite cowboy. While many of this edition were made, there was a limited edition of 1,000 rifles produced with deluxe checkered walnut stocks, antiqued gold receiver finish, and "DUKE-ONE OF ONE THOUSAND" prominently marked on the barrel in gold. Chambered in .32-40 Winchester, this rifle was manufactured in 1981 and is recognized by ATF as C&R eligible. It combines classic Model 94 handling with strong presentation value through its large-loop lever, inlaid John Wayne medallion, "DUKE" serial number prefix, and engraving on the receiver featuring the titles of some of John Wayne's most famous films surrounding western scenes.
Condition is a major strength. The rifle retains approximately 98% of its metal finish, with only minor handling wear, a great bore and strong mechanics. These factors place the rifle solidly in Excellent condition and support its desirability as a collector-grade commemorative. Its overall appeal is further enhanced by the inclusion of a John Wayne commemorative box and three boxes of John Wayne Commemorative .32-40 ammunition, which are important accessories for a commemorative firearm and add meaningful collector value. Overall, this Winchester 94 John Wayne Commemorative 1 of 1,000 would be best suited to a collector seeking a high-condition commemorative package rather than a routine shooter, though its mechanical condition and excellent bore suggest it remains capable of use after appropriate inspection and cleaning. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids!
