Pre-64 Winchester Model 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine .30-30 WCF 20" Lever Action Rifle 1925 C&R

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine

Serial Number: 983128

Year of Manufacture: 1925 / C&R

Caliber: .30-30 Winchester Center Fire

Action Type: This is a Lever Action Rifle with a Full Length Magazine Tube.

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked "-MODEL 94-WINCHESTER-NICKEL STEEL - 30 W.C.F.- / -TRADE MARK-". The top of the barrel and receiver are both marked with a Winchester WP proof. The top tang is marked "MODEL 94 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG.U.S.PAT.OFF.&FGN.". The bottom of the receiver is marked "983128".

Barrel Length: 20" Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set and pinned in a square block integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a ladder sight which presents a fixed u-notch when down, and a u-notch sliding leaf when up marked out a 0-20. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (not included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel carbine style buttplate. There are a few light handling marks. The LOP measures about 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its current metal finish. Most of the finish on the barrel and magtube is strong with only thinning on the edges. There is some intermittent finish loss on the receiver, particularly the right side which has introduced some discoloration and oxidation. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. The lever safety is present and fully functional. 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 rifle followed the other John Browning designed lever action rifles to become one of the most famous and popular hunting rifles of all time. It was the first commercial sporting rifle to sell over 7,000,000 units, making the name "Winchester" synonymous with all lever action rifles. It was also the first commercial American repeating rifle built to be used with smokeless powder. It was introduced in 1894 in two black powder cartridges, the .32-40 and .38-55 Win. rounds, but by the next year Winchester had developed a different steel composition that could handle higher pressures, and the .30-30 Win. family of cartridges was born.

This is a Winchester Model 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine made in 1925 with a 20" round barrel and chambered in .30-30. Whether you’re looking to add to your Winchester collection or want a classy vintage hunting rifle, you can’t go wrong with an American classic.