Description
The Winchester Model 94 Short 25-35 Winchester 20″ Blue Wood Stock is a classic American lever-action rifle chambered in the flat-shooting .25-35 Winchester cartridge. It features a 20-inch barrel, a traditional blue steel finish, and a straight-grip walnut stock, making it a quintessential brush gun for hunting and a timeless piece of firearms history. This model is a modern iteration of the legendary saddle-ring carbine, offering that iconic handling in a potent, mid-range caliber.
Key Features
- Chambered in the classic .25-35 Winchester, known for its accuracy and mild recoil.
- 20-inch barrel provides a perfect balance of maneuverability and sight radius.
- Traditional blue steel finish and straight-grip American walnut stock for authentic looks.
- Lever-action mechanism is smooth, reliable, and fast for follow-up shots.
- Saddle ring on the receiver nods to its historical cavalry and cowboy roots.
- Adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and bead front sight for quick target acquisition.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .25-35 Winchester |
| Barrel Length | 20 inches |
| Overall Length | 38.5 inches (approx.) |
| Weight | Approx. 6.5 lbs |
| Action | Lever Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6+1 rounds |
| Finish | Blued Steel, Walnut Stock |
I’ve put a few boxes of Winchester’s factory .25-35 loads through this rifle, and the experience is exactly what you’d hope for. The action cycles with that satisfying, solid *clack-clack* you expect from a 94. The straight-grip stock fits out of the box and points naturally, making it feel like an extension of your arms in thick cover. Recoil is negligible—more of a gentle push than a kick—which makes sighting in and practice sessions a genuine pleasure. That said, you need to know that .25-35 ammo isn’t on every shelf; you’ll likely be ordering it or handloading. But the performance on whitetail-sized game within 200 yards is impressive, with minimal meat damage. The price point of $1049.22 reflects its status as a modern-made classic from a historic line, not just a utilitarian tool.
Who This Rifle Is For
This Model 94 is for the hunter who appreciates tradition and wants a supremely handy rifle for Missouri whitetail in dense timber or creek bottoms. It’s also for the collector or shooter who values the romance of the American lever gun but wants a chambering with a bit more reach and less blast than .30-30. If you’re tired of plastic stocks and want a rifle with soul and history you can feel, this is your candidate. It’s a working piece of art.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Incredibly fast and pointable in the field. The .25-35 is a deer-legal laser beam with very manageable recoil. The craftsmanship and classic aesthetics are top-notch. It’s a conversation starter at the range and a trusted companion in the woods. The action is robust and proven over more than a century.
Cons: Ammunition availability is the biggest hurdle—it’s a specialty round. Sights are traditional but may not suit everyone’s eyes (though they’re easily upgraded with a scout scope mount or peep sight from brands like Skinner Sights). The tubular magazine limits your bullet choice to flat or round noses for safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .25-35 Winchester powerful enough for Missouri whitetail deer?
A: Absolutely. With proper shot placement using modern ammunition, the .25-35 is an effective and ethical cartridge for deer-sized game at typical woodland ranges, offering excellent penetration and controlled expansion.
Q: Can I mount a scope on this Model 94?
A: The top-ejecting action of the traditional Model 94 makes mounting a conventional scope over the receiver difficult. The best solutions are a long-eye-relief “scout” scope mounted on the barrel via a dedicated mount or using a receiver-mounted peep sight, which is a fantastic upgrade for precision.
Q: How does this compare to a .30-30 Model 94?
A: The .25-35 shoots flatter and with significantly less recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately. The .30-30 hits with more brute force at shorter ranges and has vastly better ammunition availability. It’s a trade-off between shootability and convenience. For many hunters, the .25-35’s performance is a sweet spot.
Look, if you want a rifle that connects you to the history of American hunting with performance that still holds up today, this Winchester Model 94 Short in .25-35 is a compelling choice. It’s ready for your FFL transfer required for firearm purchases and available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. See the full details on our site.
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