Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894 Rifle
Serial Number: 193738
Year of Manufacture: 1903 / C&R
Caliber: .38-55 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action fed by Full-Length Magazine Tube
Barrel Length: 26" Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed and screw set to the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The tang is installed with a Lyman tang peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are compressions and handling marks. There are small cracks on each side of the toe. There are two small cracks in the bottom of the wrist at the tip of the lower tang. Overall, the stocks rate in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Hardened
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well defined. There is some light erosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates about 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. Most of the receiver has worn to a mottled patina. The blueing on the barrel and mag-tube is strong with some finish loss at the muzzle and down the length of the barrel's octagon. There is light intermittent oxidation. There are scratches and handling marks. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1894 is one of the most influential lever-action rifles ever produced, designed by John M. Browning and introduced in 1894 as a lightweight, strong, and reliable sporting rifle. Originally developed for smokeless powder cartridges, the Model 1894 became synonymous with American hunting traditions and was produced in a wide variety of configurations and chamberings. Early examples chambered in .38-55 Winchester are particularly desirable, as this cartridge represents the rifle’s connection to the black powder era and Winchester’s earlier large-frame lever guns while offering a powerful option for deer and general sporting use.
This 1903-production example is a desirable pre-64 Winchester Model 1894 featuring the classic 26” octagonal barrel, full-length magazine tube, crescent buttplate, and factory-style configuration enhanced with a Lyman tang peep sight. The rifle retains approximately 60% of its original finish. The walnut stocks show honest field use with handling marks and minor repairs needed at the toe and wrist, while the bore rates 6/10 with well-defined rifling and light erosion. Combining its early production date, scarce .38-55 Winchester chambering, and classic pre-64 Winchester craftsmanship, this rifle offers collectors an opportunity to acquire a historically significant Model 1894 from the rifle’s formative years.
