Winchester Model 94 John Wayne Commemorative .32-40 WCF Lever-Action Carbine, 18.5 Inch Barrel, Big-Loop, Factory Engraved Receiver (1981)
This 1981 Winchester Model 94 John Wayne Commemorative stands out with its factory coin/satin-silver engraved receiver featuring stagecoach scenes and John Wayne film titles, a big-loop lever, and a saddle ring carbine layout. Chambered in .32-40 WCF, an uncommon late-20th-century factory chambering, it includes the stock medallion with John Wayne portrait and retains the commemorative barrel markings. The JW-prefix serialization denotes the 1981 John Wayne edition, and it comes with the original Winchester factory box.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The metal and wood show minor, superficial scratches and small blemishes. There are a few very minor surface rust spots. The bore is clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Original Winchester factory box with John Wayne Commemorative end label (G9481JW)
Produced in 1981 as a limited John Wayne Commemorative, this Model 94 carries the JW-prefix that identifies the series. Production totaled 49,000 Standard rifles and 1,000 Canadian variants. The barrel is marked "JOHN WAYNE COMMEMORATIVE," and the receiver bottom bears an inspector "A" stamp. The barrel is also marked "WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL."
The rifle is a top-eject Model 94 saddle ring carbine with an 18.5-inch blued round barrel and a full-length tubular magazine rated at 5+1. It is chambered in .32-40 WCF, a notable and less common chambering for late-production commemoratives in this series.
Sighting is traditional with a hooded ramp front sight and an adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight. Length of pull measures 13 inches, delivering a classic carbine fit in a full-size profile.
The coin/satin-silver receiver is factory engraved with stagecoach and rider scenes accompanied by John Wayne film titles. A facsimile John Wayne signature appears on the receiver belly plate. The straight-grip walnut stock is checkered and set with an inlaid John Wayne portrait medallion, paired with a matching walnut forend.
Built in the United States by Winchester Repeating Arms, this commemorative lever-action combines the Model 94’s iconic handling with special-edition features and presentation. The big-loop lever and saddle ring complement the commemorative theme while retaining authentic Model 94 operation.