Winchester Repeating Arms produced this Model 1894 in 1914, serial number 710486, chambered in 32-40 with a 26-inch octagonal barrel. The barrel keeps about 95 percent of its original blue, while the receiver has mellowed to a dark grey patina. The wood is original, and most of the factory varnish remains on the buttstock. Inside, the bore is bright with strong rifling.

This is a collector's lever gun first, with the octagon barrel and 32-40 chambering that set it apart from the common carbines. In North Carolina a lever rifle like this is legal for deer through gun season, which closes January 1 in every zone, and a 26-inch barrel balances well off the shoulder in open hardwoods. Most buyers will keep it for the safe, but the strong rifling says it would still do its job in the November woods.

Key features

• 32-40 lever action, 26-inch octagonal barrel
• Made 1914, serial 710486
• About 95 percent original barrel blue
• Receiver dark grey patina, original wood
• Bright bore, strong rifling

This Winchester ships to a licensed North Carolina dealer for the NICS check and pickup.