Description
Picture this: you’re on a Missouri whitetail trail, the morning mist hanging in the timber. You need a rifle that carries history in its lines and authority in its report—a tool that bridges the gap between classic wood-and-steel craftsmanship and practical, modern performance. That’s the domain of the Winchester Model 94 ‘Sporter’ 38-55 Win 24″ Barrel Walnut Stock 8rd.
The Winchester Model 94 ‘Sporter’ 38-55 Win is a modern iteration of the legendary lever-action rifle, featuring a 24-inch barrel, a classic American walnut stock, and an 8-round tubular magazine. It chambered in the potent .38-55 Winchester cartridge, making it a purpose-built firearm for hunters and traditional shooting enthusiasts. This rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
This isn’t a safe queen. It’s a working rifle built for a specific mission. The .38-55 Winchester cartridge, with its heavy .375″ diameter bullets, delivers decisive energy on target without the punishing recoil of magnum rounds. That 24-inch barrel gives the powder time to work, optimizing velocity and providing a long, steady sight plane for precise shot placement. When it comes to hunting in dense cover or shooting at moderate ranges, the rifle’s balance and quick-handling lever action are a tangible advantage. The action is smooth out of the box, requiring no gunsmithing to achieve reliable function.
The classic walnut stock isn’t just for show. It provides a solid, repeatable weld point for your cheek, and the forearm gives you positive control for off-hand shots. The tubular magazine holds 8 rounds of .38-55, giving you ample capacity for a day in the field without constantly reloading. At a total length of approximately 42.5 inches and a weight around 7.5 lbs, it carries easily but settles steadily for the shot.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .38-55 Winchester |
| Barrel Length | 24 Inches |
| Overall Length | ~42.5 Inches |
| Weight | ~7.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 Rounds (Tubular) |
| Stock Material | American Walnut |
Pros: The .38-55 is a highly effective medium-game cartridge with manageable recoil. The rifle’s classic design offers proven reliability and fast follow-up shots. The 24″ barrel enhances ballistic performance. Its traditional aesthetics are unmatched for the purist.
Cons: The .38-55 is a niche cartridge; ammunition cost and variety can’t compete with .30-30 Winchester. Sights are traditional irons, limiting low-light use without modification. The tubular magazine prohibits the use of pointed bullets for maximum ballistic efficiency.
So who is this rifle for? It’s for the hunter who values tradition but demands performance—the shooter who wants a dedicated tool for Missouri whitetail, black bear, or boar. It’s for the collector who actually shoots his collection. It’s also an ideal platform for Cowboy Action Shooting in specific categories, offering a historical edge with modern manufacturing consistency. If you run optics, it’s compatible with mounts from brands like Williams Gun Sight Company for a low-profile scout scope setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .38-55 Winchester suitable for elk or larger game?
A: With careful shot placement and appropriate heavy bullet loads (250+ grain), the .38-55 can be effective on elk at moderate ranges. However, most hunters would prefer a cartridge with more energy for consistent results on larger game.
Q: Can I use .375 Winchester ammunition in this rifle?
A: No. While the bullets are the same diameter, the .375 Winchester is a different, higher-pressure cartridge. You must only use ammunition specifically marked .38-55 Winchester in this firearm.
Q: What is the effective range of this rifle and cartridge?
A: With its ballistic arc, the .38-55 is most practical within 200 yards. That said, a skilled shooter using a tang sight or optic can extend that range, but it excels as a 150-yard-and-in woods rifle where its power and quick handling shine. The price for this piece of American history is $1198.40.
Ready to shoulder a piece of history built for today’s field? See the Winchester Model 94 ‘Sporter’ in our inventory.
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