19321243

Winchester 1894 Legendary Frontiersman 

In 1979, Winchester produced 19,999 Model 94 Legendary Frontiersmen rifles in their New Haven, Connecticut, USA factory. The serial numbers ran consecutively from LF1 to LF19999. These post-1964 Model 94 actions were the later type with good steel receivers and improved shell elevators and loading gates. They pre-date the introduction of the Model 94 AE (angle eject for scope mounting, which became standard in 1984), but the top eject receiver is drilled and tapped for mounting receiver (peep) sights.

The Legendary Frontiersmen, fortunately, also predates the introduction of the ugly, receiver mounted, cross-bolt safety mandated by lawyers that appeared in 1992 and was finally replaced by the current top tang safety in 2003. Like all Model 1894 and Model 94 rifles made before 1992, a quarter-cock hammer notch serves as the "safety" for the Legendary Frontiersmen.

The bottom line is that the Legendary Frontiersmen of 1979 is based on the best of the post-'64 Model 94 actions. It is a good rifle built on a good action.

The Legendary Frontiersmen rifle that is the subject of this review is an exceptionally attractive rifle. The antique silver plated receiver and fore-end cap nicely complement the highly polished and hot blued steel barrel, magazine tube, bolt, lever, loading gate, hammer, trigger, butt plate and all external screws. In addition, there is a silver medallion about the size of a 50 cent piece inletted into the right side of the butt stock. This depicts a fight between a buckskin clad frontiersman and an Indian with a tomahawk.

Both sides of the receiver are nearly 100% covered with engraving. The right side of the receiver pictures a standing grizzly bear, a frontiersman in buckskin greeting two Indians on horseback, a rattlesnake and a beaver. The left side of the receiver features a fierce bald eagle about to grab a jack rabbit with its extended talons and a mounted frontiersman leading his pack mule through high country with a second mounted frontiersman following.

Both sides of the receiver are complemented by American style scroll and borders. This roll engraving is unusually well executed and, when examined under a loupe', appears to have been touched-up by hand.

The receiver top tang is stamped "Model 1894 WINCHESTER." The serial number is stamped in the bottom front of the receiver. The right side of the barrel bears a silver-filled "Legendary Frontiersmen" script.

The well matched stock and fore-end of the test rifle are carved from very nice, semi-fancy walnut with attractive grain and figure that is close to being full fancy grade. (It is much better wood than shown in the photo at the top of this page.) The extensive, hand cut checkering wraps around both the straight hand stock and fore-end in a fancy, Fleur-de-lis pattern. The wood to metal fit is very good. Winchester obviously put a lot of time and attention into the manufacture of these rifles, which I consider to be among the most attractive of the Model 94 commemoratives.

Specifications

• Caliber: .38-55 Win.
• Barrel: Round, 24 inches
• Twist: 1 in 15 inches
• Barrel finish: high polish bluing
• Magazine: Full length under barrel
• Magazine capacity: 7 rounds
• Sights: Semi-buckhorn rear, blade front
• Receiver: Roll engraved w/antique silver plated finish; drilled and tapped for aperture sights
• Stock: Semi-fancy black walnut w/silver medallion, satin finish; blued rifle butt plate
• Checkering: Hand cut, wrap around, Fleur-de-lis style
• Fore-end cap: Antique silver finish
• Weight: 6-3/4 pounds
• Overall length: 42-1/2 inches
• Length of pull: 13-1/2 inches
• Country of Origin: USA