Description
The Cimarron 1894 *Freight Damaged* .38-55 Win, 26″ Octagon Barrel, Case-Hardened, Walnut is a classic lever-action rifle with minor cosmetic blemishes from shipping, offered at a significant discount. It’s a faithful reproduction of the Winchester 1894, chambered in the classic .38-55 Winchester, built for the shooter who values historic design and solid performance over a perfect finish.
I’ve put a few boxes of Black Hills ammo through one of these, and the action smoothed out nicely after the first fifty rounds. Here’s the thing—you’re getting the same forged steel and American walnut construction as the standard model, just with a scratch or dent that doesn’t affect function. It’s a working man’s rifle from the start.
Key Features
- Freight Damaged Discount: Cosmetic-only blemishes (dings, scratches) from shipping, verified safe and functional.
- Classic .38-55 Winchester: Authentic black powder-era caliber, great for target shooting and medium game.
- Forged Steel & Walnut: Solid construction with a 26-inch octagon barrel and genuine walnut stock.
- True Case-Hardened Finish: Beautiful, color-case-hardened frame that’s period-correct.
- Traditional Lever Action: Smooth, side-ejecting design just like the original 1894.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .38-55 Winchester |
| Barrel | 26″ Octagon |
| Overall Length | Approx. 43.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 8.5 lbs |
| Finish | Case-Hardened Frame, Blued Barrel |
| Stock | American Walnut |
| Capacity | 7+1 Tubular Magazine |
Weighing in at roughly eight and a half pounds, that long octagon barrel soaks up recoil and makes offhand shooting a steady pleasure. The tubular magazine holds seven rounds, plus one in the chamber, which is plenty for any range session or hunt. This rifle is drop-in ready for standard .38-55 ammo from makers like Black Hills or Buffalo Bore, no gunsmithing required to start shooting. That said, always inspect any firearm thoroughly upon receipt.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is for the shooter who appreciates history and mechanical authenticity but is pragmatic about budget. It’s perfect for the CAS shooter wanting a main-match rifle in .38-55, the hunter looking for a classic woods rifle for deer, or the collector who shoots their pieces. If you want a safe queen, buy a pristine model. If you want a rifle to use, this Cimarron 1894 *Freight Damaged* at $939.99 is a compelling argument. It ships to Missouri and compliant US states through your local FFL.
Pros & Cons
Pros: You get substantial savings for cosmetic flaws that don’t matter in the field. The .38-55 is a satisfying, historically significant caliber with mild recoil. The fit and finish on Cimarron’s reproductions are typically excellent, and the long octagon barrel provides a sublime balance.
Cons: You must accept visible dings or scratches—the location and severity vary. .38-55 ammo is more specialized and costly than .30-30. The rifle’s overall length makes it less handy in thick brush compared to a 20-inch carbine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How bad is the “freight damage” typically?
A: It’s always cosmetic. Think a dent in the wood near the buttplate, a scratch on the receiver, or a mar on the barrel. We would not sell a rifle with structural or safety-affecting damage. Each one is different, but the value is there.
Q: Is the .38-55 Winchester still a viable hunting round?
A: Absolutely. With modern loads from companies like Buffalo Bore, it’s a proven deer and black bear cartridge within 150 yards. It has a rich history and plenty of power for most North American medium game.
Q: Can I use .375 Winchester ammunition in this rifle?
A: No. While the bullets are similar in diameter, the .375 Winchester is a different, more powerful cartridge with different dimensions. Only use ammunition specifically marked .38-55 Winchester in this rifle.
Look, if you’ve wanted a true piece of American firearms history you can actually afford to shoot, this is a rare opportunity. The price is right for a rifle that feels and shoots like it costs several hundred more. Check availability and see if this freight-damaged deal is your next range partner.
Available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.




Reviews
There are no reviews yet.