Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1894 Rifle

Serial Number: 146139

Year of Manufacture: 1902 / C&R

Caliber: .32 W.S.

Action Type: Lever Action Takedown Rifle fed by Half-Length Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 26" 1/2 Octagon 1/2 Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch elevator sight, dovetailed to the barrel; the notch is fine adjustable for elevation. The tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. There are scattered compressions, nicks, and bruises. There is a crack on the bottom left side of the forend at the receiver. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has worn to white with scattered light patina and wear at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks rate in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color hammer and lever

Finish Originality: Original. The receiver and extension have been laser engraved, not original.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is light erosion down the length. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 35% of its metal finish. Most of the finish on the receiver has worn to a light patina. There is thinning on the leading edges and at the muzzle. There is light intermittent oxidation. There are "takedown" marks on the bottom of the barrel. The barrel and magazine tube hold a strong deep blue with light areas of thinning. There are a few minor pits scattered about the barrel. The case colors have muted with some light figuring visible on the protected areas. There are scratches and handling marks. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition.

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: This rifle comes with a CFM records search. The letter states that this rifle originally shipped as a takedown rifle in .32 WS, with a 1/2 Octagon barrel, plain trigger, Lyman jack front and Lyman rear, 1/2 Magazine. The record states it was received in warehouse on June 16, 1902, shipped from warehouse on June 30, 1902, order number 146012, and was repaired and returned on June 21, 1905, order number 1634.

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1894 is one of the most successful and enduring lever-action rifle designs in American firearms history. Designed by John Browning and introduced in 1894, it became the definitive sporting lever gun of the smokeless powder era and was offered in both traditional hunting configurations and a wide range of special-order variations. Early takedown rifles with half-octagon barrels and half-length magazines were among the more desirable configurations, offering hunters a compact and versatile rifle that could be broken down for transport while retaining the handling qualities of a classic Winchester.

This 1902-dated Model 1894 is an attractive early example with several desirable features confirmed by the factory records search, including the .32 Winchester Special chambering, takedown configuration, 26" half-octagon barrel, half magazine, and Lyman sights. The rifle retains original barrel and magazine tube blue, remaining case colors on the hammer and lever, and approximately 35% of its original finish with honest period wear. The later laser engraving on the receiver and extension is not original to the rifle but adds visual distinction, while the included CFM letter provides valuable documentation of its original configuration and early factory history. A documented early takedown Model 1894 in .32 W.S. with factory records and classic Winchester features, this rifle represents an appealing opportunity for collectors of early American lever actions.