Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1894 Rifle

Serial Number: 904907

Year of Manufacture: 1921

Caliber: .30-30 WCF

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

Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN.CONN.U.S.A. PATENTED AUGUST 21.1894.”, “-NICKEL STEEL BARREL- / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER”, “.30 W.C.F.”. The top of the barrel and receiver are marked with Winchester “WP” proofs. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1894 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG.U.S.PAT.OFF.&FGN.”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “904907”.

Barrel Length: 26”, Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Redfield beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight dovetail is empty. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and installed with a Marble’s tang sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks and scratches and scuffs. There is a crack in the top right of the wrist and a small loss on the left side of the wrist in the top corner of the receiver. The LOP measures about 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color Lever and Hammer

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is very light erosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its finish. Most of the receiver has worn to white. The finish on the barrel and magtube is strong with some intermittent finish thinning. There is thinning on the leading edges and muzzle. There are scratches and small nicks throughout. The case color on the lever and hammer has completely muted. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition.

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 needs no introduction—John Browning’s legendary lever-action design went on to become the most prolific sporting rifle in American history. This example, serial number 904907, was manufactured in 1921 and reflects the classic configuration of a pre-64 solid-frame rifle with a 26” round barrel chambered in .30 W.C.F. (.30-30 Winchester). It features a nickel steel barrel, originally designed to handle the pressures of smokeless powder, and retains its original blue finish, now worn gracefully into a mix of patina and thinning blue along the receiver and edges. The bore is bright with strong rifling, and a Marble’s tang peep sight is installed for fine sight adjustment, paired with a Redfield front bead. The wood is solid, with typical field wear and an old wrist crack at the top right that doesn't impede function. With its long barrel, crescent buttplate, and pre-war craftsmanship, this Model 1894 remains a quintessential example of Winchester's golden era—an honest, original rifle perfect for collectors of early smokeless-era Winchesters or those seeking a nostalgic camp companion with real American history.