Winchester Model 94 Carbine .30-30 Lever-Action Rifle, 20" Barrel, 1981 Production
This Winchester Model 94 Carbine delivers the classic handling and reliability that have defined the Model 94 line since 1894. Built in 1981 at Winchester’s New Haven factory, this top-eject rifle pairs a 20-inch round Winchester Proof Steel barrel with a 7+1 tubular magazine, straight-grip walnut stock, and the newly adopted rebounding hammer safety. Chambered in the ever-popular .30-30 Winchester, it offers a balance of heritage design and late-production safety improvements.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair – showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair – generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Good – intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The rifle is mechanically sound and functions properly. Scratches and blemishes are present on the metal surfaces, with rust and pitting visible—most notably large pitted spots on the receiver. The bore remains shiny despite its age.
What’s Included
- Winchester Model 94 Carbine rifle
Introduced in 1894, the Winchester Model 94 remains one of the most produced sporting rifles in history. This 1981 example retains the proven top-eject, lever-action design while incorporating the rebounding hammer safety that Winchester introduced that year. The safety automatically positions the hammer away from the firing pin after each shot, adding a layer of security without changing the familiar manual controls.
The 20-inch round barrel is cut from Winchester Proof Steel and is marked accordingly. Combined with the compact carbine stock and 13.5-inch length of pull, the rifle balances quickly for offhand shots and packs easily in the field. A bead front sight on a ramp and a semi-buckhorn rear sight provide a traditional sight picture.
Construction is all steel with a blued finish. While the metal shows wear and pitting consistent with hard use, the action cycles smoothly and the bore’s rifling remains clear. The walnut stock carries a straight grip and an uncheckered, satin oil finish capped by a carbine strap buttplate, preserving the rifle’s classic profile.
Chambered in .30-30 Winchester and fed by a 7-round tubular magazine, this Model 94 offers the time-tested ballistics and fast follow-up shots that made the cartridge a mainstay for North American game.