Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894 Rifle
Serial Number: 393050
Year of Manufacture: 1908 / C&R
Caliber: .30-30 Winchester Center Fire
Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a half-length "button" tubular magazine.
Barrel Length: 26", Half Octagonal, Half Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed and screw set to the barrel. The rear sight is a Marble's invertible u/v notch elevator sight with a white diamond aim reference, dovetailed to the barrel. The notch is fine adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight, none present.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no cracks. There is a small gouge on the left side of the forend. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has worn to white with scattered oxidation. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color hammer and lever.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is light erosion. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong on the barrel with some thinning on the leading edges and at the muzzle. The receiver has worn to white entirely. The case color has mostly muted. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action has operational wear. There is light intermittent corrosion, generally on the right side of the receiver. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety and there is a lever safety that functions correctly. 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 defining American sporting rifles, designed by John Browning and brought to market during the transition from black powder-era repeaters to modern smokeless cartridges. Chambered here in .30-30 W.C.F., Winchester’s landmark small-bore sporting cartridge, the Model 1894 became a staple for hunters, ranchers, and outdoorsmen across North America. With a half octagon, half round barrel and button magazine, this rifle should peak interest for the collectors.
This 1908-manufactured example retains about 50% of its original metal finish, with stronger blue on the barrel and magazine tube, an honest receiver worn mostly to white, and muted case color remaining on the hammer and lever. The stocks remain Very Good with scattered handling marks, the bore is bright with defined rifling and light erosion, and the action functions properly with a crisp trigger. With its C&R status, highly desirable rifle configuration with special order features, .30-30 chambering, and honest preservation, this Model 1894 has the right blend of history, mechanical utility, and collector interest to make it a strong addition to a Winchester lever-action collection.
