Item: ONSV26GTGS091

Original U.S. Antique Winchester Model 1894 .38-55 W.C.F. Rifle with 26" Octagonal Barrel Made in 1895 - Serial 10238

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Manufactured prior to 1899 – legally recognized as an antique firearm under U.S. federal law. Not classified as a modern firearm; therefore, no federal license or FFL transfer is required. Eligible for shipment to most U.S. states and territories, subject to local and state laws.

  • Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great find! A very desirable second year of production Winchester Model 1894 Repeating Rifle, Serial number 10238 in Winchester .38-55 Caliber. Made in 1895, this rifle is one of the most popular lever action repeaters ever marketed, and is popular to this day as a sporting and hunting rifle. This example features the iconic "Buckhorn" Winchester rear adjustable sight with a standard blade front sight. It features a full-length magazine tube, and has a desirable 26 inch octagonal barrel, which is marked:


    --- MANUFACTURED BY THE ---
    ----- WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. -----


    By the chamber, the barrel is also marked .38-55, as is correct. The 1894 was originally chambered to fire 2 metallic black powder cartridges, the .32-40 Winchester and .38-55 Winchester / Ballard. The latter cartridge was first introduced in 1876 by Ballard. It was used by Marlin Firearms from 1875 on for various single-shot target rifles and their 1893 lever-action rifle. It was later offered by Winchester in its Model 1894. In 1895 Winchester went to a different steel composition for rifle manufacturing that could handle higher pressure rounds, and offered the rifle in .25-35 Winchester and .30-30 Winchester. The .30-30 Winchester, or .30WCF (Winchester Centerfire), is the cartridge that has become synonymous with the Model 1894. This is one of the few made with the older composition barrel, and it was not later rebarreled as many were.


    The rear receiver tang is also marked with the model and patent information:


    MODEL 1894
    - WINCHESTER -
    PAT. AUG. 21. 1894


    The stocks are in very good condition, with the lovely red-brown color of oiled aged walnut, not showing any major alterations or refinishing in the past. They do show wear from use, including the expected scratches, dents, and dings, but no major damage such as cracks or repairs. There are just some small chunks missing from the rear stock where it meets up with the receiver.


    The rifle is offered with a crisp tight action in fully functional condition. The metalwork is very good, with a nice aged blued finish overall, faded to a plum patina, and no serious pitting or other oxidation. The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves, and there is some past fouling and and oxidation present, now cleaned away. We would probably rate this a 7 out of 10.


    A very nice example with a desirable 26" octagonal barrel. Pre-1899 production (1895) and rated Federally as an ANTIQUE. Ready to Display in any Collection!


    Specifications-


    Year of Manufacture: 1895
    Caliber: .38-55 Winchester / Ballard
    Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
    Barrel Length: 26 Inches
    Overall Length: 44 Inches
    Action type: Lever Action Repeater
    Feed System: 9 round Magazine Tube


    The Winchester Model 1894 rifle (also known as the Winchester 94 or Model 94) is a lever-action repeating rifle that became one of the most famous and popular hunting rifles of all time. It was designed by John Browning in 1894 and originally chambered to fire two metallic black powder cartridges, the .32-40 Winchester and .38-55 Winchester. It was the first rifle to chamber the smokeless powder round, the .30 WCF (Winchester Center Fire, in time becoming known as the .30-30) in 1895.


    The 1894 was produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company through 1980 and then by U.S. Repeating Arms under the Winchester brand until they ceased manufacturing rifles in 2006. Reproductions are being made by the Miroku company of Japan and imported into the United States by the Browning Arms company of Morgan, Utah.


    The Model 1894 has been referred to as the "ultimate lever-action design" by firearms historians such as R. L. Wilson and Hal Herring. The Model 1894 is the rifle credited with the name "Winchester" being used to refer to all rifles of this type and was the first commercial sporting rifle to sell over 7,000,000 units.


    One Model 1894 is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the Arms & Armor department.


    NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.


  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

    This product is not available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in most jurisdictions, antique firearms are legal to own and are generally not subject to the same regulatory requirements as modern firearms. Under U.S. federal law, any firearm manufactured on or before December 31, 1898, is classified as an antique firearm and is not considered a firearm under the Gun Control Act of 1968. As such, no federal license or FFL (Federal Firearms License) transfer is required for purchase or possession. Antique firearms may be legally shipped to most U.S. states and territories, subject to local and state laws. Please note: Firearms laws vary by state, county, and locality, and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to consult with local law enforcement or a qualified legal professional to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations in your area.

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