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Winchester Model 1894 Takedown 26" Octagonal .38-55 Lever Action Rifle, 1897 Antique

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:750.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Winchester Model 1894 Takedown 26  Octagonal .38-55 Lever Action Rifle, 1897 Antique
Winchester Model 1894 Takedown 26" Octagonal .38-55 Lever Action Rifle, 1897 Antique

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 rifle made in 1897 with a 26" octagonal barrel and chambered in the original .38-55 cartridge. The gun shows honest wear consistent with its age and use in the field. It will display well as-is with its "been there, done that" appearance, but would also be a good candidate for restoration for a collection or to take back out in the field. Please see our photos and good luck!

Make: Winchester

Model: Model 1894

Serial Number: 91380

Year of Manufacture: 1897

Caliber: .38-55 Wi)

Action Type: Lever Action

Markings: Standard Winchester Model 1894 Markings

Barrel Length: 26"

Sights / Optics: The sights do not appear to be original to the rifle. The front sight is a thin blade that is dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is is a V notch elevator sight that is dovetailed to the barrel

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock set is two piece two piece smooth wood. The wood stock shows scratches and compression marks. The top of the grip is missing small pieces of edge wood at the tang. The forearm shows a hairline crack that flexes at the front left as well as a hairline surface crack at the left rear. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the steel butt plate. The stocks rate in about Fair overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is defined but shallow at the muzzle. There is scattered erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion and for the age, the bore rates a 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 5% of its metal finish. The metal surfaces show a mottled patina combined with scratches, discoloration from prior oxidation, and areas of light surface erosion. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are legible. Some marking are worn. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair to Good condition as an antique.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

CA Legality: CA Classified Antique: YeS,, CA PPT: NO.