Make: Winchester

Model: 1894

Serial Number: 790191

Year of Manufacture: 1916, C&R

Caliber: .30 Winchester Center Fire (.30-30 Winchester)

Action Type: Lever-Action, Fed by a Tubular Magazine

Markings: The top of the barrel, just ahead of the rear sight, is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED AUGUST 21. 1894. / .30 W.C.F.”” The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1894 / WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT. OFF.” The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “790191”. The Winchester proof marks appear on the top of the barrel and the top of the receiver.

Barrel Length: 20”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set in a base. The rear sight is a folding “U”-notch ladder sight dovetailed to the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show moderate handling wear with scattered nicks, compressions, scuffs, and light finish loss throughout. There are no cracks or structural damages observed. The stocks rate in about Good overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: Tubular magazine, fixed capacity.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray, the rifling is well defined. There is moderate visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 45% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows moderate operational and handling wear with thinning on the receiver, edges, and high contact areas. There are patches of light patina, some oxidation along the magazine tube, and areas of finish loss on the barrel and lever. The screw heads range from lightly tooled to sharp with serviceable slots. The pins are clean. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1894, manufactured in 1916, is a classic example of America’s most iconic lever-action rifle. Introduced by John Browning and produced by Winchester, the 1894 became synonymous with the American frontier and remains one of the most beloved sporting rifles in history.

Chambered in .30 W.C.F. (.30-30 Winchester), this rifle was designed to be lightweight, durable, and effective for hunting medium game, especially deer. The 20” barrel and full-length magazine tube indicate this is a standard rifle configuration, making it both collectible and functional for range or field use.

With over a century behind it, this rifle still exhibits solid mechanics, a strong bore, and much of its original charm. For collectors of Winchester rifles, lever guns, or early 20th-century sporting arms, this is a desirable piece with historical value and aesthetic appeal.