Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! John Browning’s Winchester Model 1894 didn’t just change hunting – it revolutionized it. This lever-action marvel made its debut chambered for black powder, but it wasn’t afraid of progress. In 1895, it became the first to embrace the smokeless .30-30, a pairing that would become legendary. For over a century, the Model 1894 was the go-to for deer hunters pushing through dense Eastern forests. Its quick handling and potent punch earned it a special place in American culture. Even presidents couldn’t resist its charm – Coolidge, Truman, and Eisenhower all received milestone models. While it saw some military action, the ’94 truly shined in civilian hands. Seven million units sold tell that tale. The 1964 redesign might have ruffled some feathers, but it couldn’t dent the rifle’s popularity. From the Old West to Cowboy Action Shooting, the Model 1894 adapted, offering handgun calibers to nostalgic gunslingers.
“Manufactured in February of 1895, the second month of the second year of production. This Model 1894 rifle features the early “First Model” receiver featuring the “10 o’clock” screw by the loading gate. These First Model receivers are only found on Model 1894s as late as the early 7000 serial number range, but become very rare after around serial number 5220. From serial number 828 to serial number 5220, Model 1894 receivers are approximately split half and half between the First Model and Second Model receivers. It is believed that early on in Model 1894 production, these First and Second Model receivers were produced and assembled simultaneously in different parts of the Winchester plant, leading to this mix of receiver types on these early rifles. Many of these early First Model 1894s saw hard use in the untamed American West, and they remain a desirable collectible in almost any condition, making an example in outstanding condition like this an incredibly scarce, benchmark piece for a Winchester collection. The two-line Winchester address and caliber marking are on the top barrel flat. It is believed that nearly all of these First Model 1894 rifles were chambered in the early and desirable .38-55 caliber. “
Lot 33: First Year Production Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle – Outstanding Documented Antique Early 1895 Production Winchester First Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle Serial Number 3079 with “10 O’Clock” Screw Frame in Desirable .38-55 W.C.F. with Factory Letter. (n.d.-c). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/89/33/first-year-production-winchester-model-1894-lever-action-rifle.
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