Winchester Model 94

Winchester Repeating Arms · Rifle · In Production · 1894

Also known as: Winchester Model 1894, Winchester 94, Win 94, .30-30

Overview

The Winchester Model 94 is a lever-action rifle designed by John Browning and introduced in 1894. Chambered for the smokeless-powder .30-30 Winchester cartridge from 1895, it was the first commercial repeating rifle mass-produced for smokeless powder and became the quintessential American hunting and Western lever gun. It feeds from a tubular magazine under the barrel, uses an exposed hammer and a single locking-block action, and is loaded through a side gate. With over 7 million produced, it is one of the best-selling sporting rifles in history.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3100 g (109.3 oz)
Overall Length960 mm (37.80")
Barrel Length510 mm (20.08")
Action TypeLever Action
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity7 rounds
Magazine TypeTubular
Muzzle Velocity701 m/s (2300 fps)
Muzzle Energy2627 J (1938 ft·lbf)
Effective Range180 m (197 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist305 mm (12.01")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWalnut
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Estimated total produced: 7,500,000 · Production years: 1894-present

Over 7 million produced by the early 21st century; one of the most-produced sporting rifles in American history

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: John Browning

Notes

Often called the '.30-30' after its signature cartridge. Original 1894 chamberings were the black-powder .32-40 and .38-55; the .30-30 was added in 1895. Made in numerous configurations from 20-inch carbines to long octagonal-barrel rifles.

Background

President Theodore Roosevelt favored the Model 1894, even using one fitted with a Maxim suppressor. The rifle's association with the American West made it the archetypal saddle-ring carbine of cowboys, ranchers, and lawmen.