Winchester Commemorative Model 1894 John Wayne Standard Carbine: 32-40 Win, 18.5" Barrel, Ser# JW4030

In 1981, Winchester paid tribute to Americas greatest hero, John Wayne, with a series of commemoratives that bear his name.

The John Wayne Standard Commemorative features and extended forearm, straight grip and squared stock of American walnut with deep cut checkering. The round barrel is engraved with “John Wayne Commemorative” in pewter letters. The wrap-around buttplate, magazine plug, hammer, trigger and loading gate are blued, while the wide looped lever, made famous by Wayne in the movie “Stagecoach" in 1939, magazine band and barrel bands are pewter-plated.

The pewter plated receiver is engraved with scenes from his movies. The left side depicts six horses, pulling a stagecoach with Indians in chase. The saddle ring is blued. The right side depicts John Wayne on horseback on a cattle drive. Both engravings feature fancy scroll work and are framed by the names of his movies. The upper tang carries a facsimile of John Waynes signature.

The silver medallion depicts, in bas-relief, a portrait of John Wayne against the rugged background of Monument Valley with the legend “John Wayne” at the top left.

A portion of the royalties from the commemorative rifle were donated to the John Wayne cancer clinic at UCLA.

The serial number, with the prefix “JW” is located on the front underside of the receiver. 49,000 were produced at New Haven. Number one of this model was presented to Mrs. Ronald Reagan at a special ceremony.

In addition, a special issue of commemorative ammunition was produced for the John Wayne. The 165-grain soft point cartridges are nickel plated and bear a unique head stamp. They are packaged 20 in a box and are sold separately.

Purchasers of the John Wayne also had an option to buy a custom made wooden gun rack. A stagecoach scene embossed on leather is set into the center of the rack. A leather scabbard, with the Winchester logo and “Model 94 John Wayne Commemorative”, was also available.

Source: Winchester Commemoratives By Tom Trolard