Winchester 94 Sporter .38-55 Win Lever Action Satin Oil - 534178117

The Winchester 94 Sporter in .38-55 Win is a lever-action rifle built for hunters and shooters who value classic aesthetics alongside modern reliability. This 24-inch half-round, half-octagon barrel rifle carries the soul of Winchester's iconic design while delivering the practical accuracy and smooth operation that made the Model 94 a standard for generations. With its 8-round capacity and traditional straight-grip walnut stock finished in satin oil, the Sporter appeals to hunters pursuing deer and similar game who appreciate timeless rifle handling and the distinct character of a purpose-built lever gun.

The Sporter's construction reflects Winchester's attention to detail: a blued crescent buttplate seats solidly in your shoulder, while finely checkered walnut with double-line bordering gives you secure purchase and a rifle that looks and feels substantial. The half-octagon barrel profile isn't just cosmetic—it's part of Winchester's button-rifled design engineered for accuracy and precision, with a 1:15 twist tailored to .38-55 Winchester ballistics. The blued steel forearm cap adds durability where your support hand grips most.

Function is equally thoughtful: a top-tang safety that's easy to locate and operate, a rebounding hammer that adds a margin of safety, and radiused lever edges that protect your fingers during fast cycling. The lever throw benefits from round locking bolt trunnions and bolt relief cuts that reduce drag, making this rifle feel effortless in the field. A steel loading gate and articulated cartridge stop ensure reliable feeding without marring rounds. The hammer is drilled and tapped for a knurled spur extension (included) to aid cocking and decocking when optics are mounted—and the rifle itself is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, so you can modernize your sighting without sacrificing the rifle's classic lines.

At 7 pounds 8 ounces and 42.5 inches overall, the Winchester 94 Sporter balances pointability with stability. Factory sights—a brass bead front and adjustable semi-buckhorn rear—get you on target quickly, but the optics-ready platform lets you dial in your preferred setup for longer shooting.

Key Features

• Lever-action rifle chambered in .38-55 Winchester with 8-round capacity
• 24-inch half-round, half-octagon blued barrel with button rifling for accuracy
• Traditional straight-grip satin oil-finished walnut stock with checkering and double-line bordering
• Blued crescent buttplate for solid shouldering
• Top-tang safety for quick, reliable operation
• Rebounding hammer and bolt relief cut for smooth, safe cocking
• Brass bead front sight and adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight
• Drilled and tapped for scope mounts to add optics
• Hammer tapped for included knurled spur extension for scope-mounted use
• Steel loading gate and articulated cartridge stop for reliable feeding

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mount a scope on the Winchester 94 Sporter?

Yes. The rifle is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. Additionally, the hammer is drilled and tapped for a knurled spur extension (included with the rifle) to help you cock and decock the hammer when a scope is mounted and may interfere with your thumb.

What game is the .38-55 Winchester suitable for?

The .38-55 Winchester is a classic cartridge well-suited to hunting deer and similar-sized game. The Winchester 94 Sporter's design—with its 24-inch barrel, smooth lever action, and traditional sighting—makes it an excellent choice for hunters working within typical hunting ranges.

What sights come with this rifle?

The Winchester 94 Sporter ships with a brass bead front sight and an adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight, both of which are effective for hunting at typical distances and can coexist with a mounted optic.

Is the walnut stock durable?

The stock is satin oil-finished walnut, which provides both aesthetic appeal and protective finish. The finely checkered surfaces help ensure a secure grip in the field, and the traditional straight-grip design is a proven profile for handling and control.