Winchester, 1904, sn322716, .30WCF, 7lbs. 8oz.
Scan the internet for Winchester Model 1894’s and you will find many with wildly varying prices. You will see many rifles with standard features, and even more carbines with 20” barrels, as after about 1936 the rifle was discontinued. What is a “SEMI-DELUXE RIFLE” and why is it so special? The “SEMI-DELUXE” refers to the special-order feature of a capped pistol grip stock and factory checkering. Very few Model 1894 SEMI-DELUXE RIFLES WERE MADE. This RARE 1894 Semi Deluxe Short Rifle, sn223716, was made in 1904 with several special-order features, including CAPPED PISTOL GRIP AND CHECKERED WOOD, 26” 1/2 ROUND/1/2 OCTAGON BARREL, HALF MAGAZINE, TAKE DOWN, AND WINCHESTER #34C REAR SIGHT WITH 2 FOLDING LEAVES. Anybody that knows the Winchester Model 1894 realizes how rare it is to find a special-order rifle with this combination of features. And of course, rarity and desirability are what drive the value. We have thoroughly inspected this Model 1894 and it is factory correct in every way. The photos will show the internal stampings of the matching “assembly numbers” on the top tang stock inlet and the side of the lower tang. These assembly numbers assured that hand fit buttstocks could go to the appropriate finishing department and come back to the proper action and barrel assembly. The Cody Firearms Museum factory information sheet details this rifle exactly as you see it (info sheet shown in the photos) and comes with the purchase of the rifle. It is difficult to find a Model 1894 with much of the original factory finish remaining. This rifle has not been molested in any way, retaining Winchester factory finishes on all metal, with likely some finish applied to the factory wood over the last 120 years. The barrel blue is 97% with a shiny bore and crisp rifling (BORE RATES 9 OUT OF 10). The action retains 80% of original blue, has perfect screws, the lever and hammer retain 70% case color (beginning to fade but all there), loading gate retaining most all its niter blue, bolt showing 98% factory niter blue. The buttstock and forend retains most of the factory varnish and strong checkering, with numerous field marks, no cracks or repairs. This gun was used but carefully maintained. The action functions flawlessly, being a VFI CERTIFIED RIFLE, stripped to the smallest part in our gunsmithing department, ultrasonic cleaned, each part scrubbed to bare metal, inspected for function and integrity, lubricated and reassembled, a $375 service in our shop. From George Madis’ 'The Winchester Book', page 412 describes an almost identical Rifle, with the author noting that a part round barrel is a rarity as is a barrel length of 26" on any Model 1894 rifle made after 1902. Winchester lever guns have been very strong, investment quality tangible assets, and special-order rifles in high original condition are sure to continue gaining value. Just imagine stalking a fine buck with this Semi-Deluxe Rifle in the very capable .30-30 caliber and taking game with a piece of American history! Thanks for looking.
Barrel: 26" 1/2 octagon; special order
Bores: excellent with strong rifling
% Blue: 97% factory blue
Sights: marbles #52 front; Winchester #34C rear
Action: lever
Receiver: 80% factory
Screws: perfect
Trigger: single-crisp
Trigger Guard: 70% factory
Stock: capped pistol grip/long forend
LOP: 13 3/8"
LOP To End Of Wood: 13"
Checkering: excellent
Butt: factory shotgun butt
INQUIRIES
There is a 30 day mechanical warranty on long guns. If it is a "VFI Certified" gun there is a 90 day mechanical warranty. Call or email us for more details, extra images and questions. Thanks! Vintage Firearms Inc.
