Winchester Model 1894 Short Rifle .32 Winchester Special, 20.5 in Part-Octagon Barrel, Nickel Steel, 1915 Production
This 1915 Winchester Model 1894 Short Rifle stands out for its special-order configuration and smokeless-era features. It carries a 20.5 inch part-octagon to round nickel steel barrel marked "Nickel Steel Barrel - Especially for Smokeless Powder," paired with a half magazine and solid-frame receiver. Chambered in .32 Winchester Special, it retains its correct rifle-style forend, straight-grip walnut stock, and crescent buttplate.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: Metal surfaces show scattered surface rust, areas of pitting, and finish loss. The walnut forend and buttstock exhibit noticeable handling wear.
What’s Included
- No case included
The Short Rifle configuration is identified by its 20.5 inch part-octagon to round barrel and half magazine, a desirable setup that differs from standard rifle or carbine patterns. The solid-frame receiver uses right-side ejection and is fitted with the standard loop lever.
Barrel markings reflect early smokeless-era production: "Nickel Steel Barrel - Especially for Smokeless Powder." Additional rollmarks include the top-tang legend "MODEL 1894 -WINCHESTER- TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT. OFF." and the barrel address "MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO., NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.
PATENTED AUGUST 21, 1894." Caliber is correctly stamped "32 W.S."
The rifle retains classic Model 1894 rifle furniture: a straight-grip, uncheckered walnut buttstock with a crescent steel buttplate and a rifle-style forend capped in steel. Length of pull measures 13.0 inches. Construction is steel throughout the receiver and frame, consistent with period manufacture.
Iron sights are period-correct, with a dovetailed blade front and an adjustable open semi-buckhorn rear sight with elevator. Capacity is 6+1 in .32 Winchester Special. Observed features align with the special-order Short Rifle configuration as described.