Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine
Serial Number: 441267
Year of Manufacture: 1909 / C&R
Caliber: .25-35 W.C.F.
Action Type: Lever Action fed by Full-Length Magazine Tube
Barrel Length: 20" Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, set and pinned to a raised block. The rear sight is a 3-leaf express sight dovetailed to the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight, none present.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth wood with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel carbine buttplate. The left side of the receiver has a saddle ring. There are light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. There is a repaired nick on the left side of the comb. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks have been re-oiled but have not been sanded. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright and the rifling is defined though rounded. There is faint even erosion throughout. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. There is light saddle ring wear on the left side of the receiver. There is faint operational wear post refinish. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety and the lever safety functions properly though is a bit heavy. 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: John M. Browning’s Winchester Model 1894 combined a compact receiver with a strong vertically locking action designed for the emerging generation of smokeless-powder sporting cartridges. Introduced in 1895, the .25-35 W.C.F. offered moderate recoil, useful accuracy, and adequate performance for deer and smaller game. In Saddle Ring Carbine form, the 20" barrel, full-length magazine, and trim straight-grip stocks created a light, fast-handling arm suited to horseback, ranch, and woodland carry.
This carbine has been beautifully refinished and looks great for its age. The action functions correctly, the trigger is crisp, and the three-leaf express rear sight adds an interesting period-style feature. This attractive .25-35 carbine combines classic Winchester handling with excellent refinished presentation and remains well suited to the collector seeking a handsome representative example.
