Winchester 1894 Rifle………..( F 830 )

Superb Winchester 94 Sporting Rifle in .30-30

This is one of my favourite rifles.  It would be hard to find a rifle in such condition, with this level of unspoilt genuine patina.  The wood to metal fit is excellent and the dark tone of the American Black Walnut is very fine.  The surface of the timber has a fantastic smooth finish caused by the steady passage of time.  This finish would be impossible to fake.  The action has lost a greater proportion of finish than the barrel.  On the LHS of the action it is evident that an adjustable sight was once affixed to the body.  Marks in the bluing show an arc of wear produced by the rubbing of the sight against the flat of the receiver.  This sight has since been removed and a blanking screw left in position.

This fine Winchester carries a serial number on the underside of the action; “992794”  All Winchester numbers relate to date of manufacture – this one indicates production was completed in 1926.  The rifle is chambered in .30-30 The action is lever and it is fed by a half length tubular magazine under the barrel.  The butt-stock has the addition of the pistol grip which is capped with a Winchester inscribed Bakelite cap which reads; “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO”  The pistol grip would be an extra feature at the time, as would the half length magazine tube.  The smooth walnut butt-stock is fitted with a crescent moon steel butt-plate of excellent fit.  The fore-end is also walnut and is capped with a steel nose-cap.  Once again wood to metal fit can not be faulted.  The finish has a high degree of patina.

The rifle measures approximately 44″ in overall length.  The round blued barrel is 26″ long.  The trigger Pull is 13.1/4″ to centre.  Marbles No 3 front sight.  Standard Buck-horn rear sights.  The top of the receiver and the barrel are both marked with the “WP” factory proof mark.  The barrel itself still retains a strong degree of original bluing, only really showing wear on the high points and a few minimal scratches.  The top curved face of the bolt still carries some bluing.  Blued hammer with cross hatched thumb patch.

The upper tang, behind the hammer has lost some of its finish, once again a genuine ageing process from the effects of the hand over the steel.  It is clearly inscribed as follows; “MODEL 94 / WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK REG. U.S. PATT. OFF. & FGN.”   The sprung loading gate on the RHS of the action retains a strong blue.  Most of the wear on the action is about the high points.  Serial number inscribed on underside of action at front. Behind which are fresh BNP mark and a German inspection mark of the CIP.

The top LH radius of the blued steel barrel is inscribed; “MODEL 94 – WINCHESTER – NICKEL STEEL – .30 WCF. / TRADE MARK”  There are 4 proof marks under the main markings including “CIP/N  &   Crown/BNP.”   On the obverse of the barrel is the full marking in a smaller sized text as follows; “MADE IN U.S.A.  WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO / ——- NEW HAVEN CONN. ———”  The flat of the muzzle has lost some finish but the crown is undisturbed.  The fore-end cap has lost its finish. The bore is very good with intact rifling and little to no evidence of any corrosion creeping in.

This is great opportunity for the discerning Winchester or Lever-Action collector to get their hands on something that is a cut above the average, without straying into the exorbitant world of the Fancy Guns.  Also, a rifle that can be used gently on a regular basis without endangering the investment.

FAC Required.

Stock Number F 830

  £ 1950.

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