Winchester

Make: Winchester

Model: 94 XTR Big Bore

Year of Manufacture: 1987

Caliber: .375 Winchester

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full Length Tubular Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER ® BIG BORE MODEL 94 XTR – 375 WIN. / –MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL–”. The top rear of the barrel is marked with a circled “WP” proof. The front underside of the receiver is marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: 20”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated ramped base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The left side of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for a receiver sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb and an orange Winchester buttpad. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. There are a few minor compressions and scratches. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In our opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are scattered minor scratches on the receiver and barrel with thinning at the muzzle. The action shows light operational wear. There is intermittent oxidation. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 94 XTR Big Bore in .375 Winchester is a robust lever-action rifle designed to offer increased power and versatility over the traditional .30-30 chambering. Introduced in the late 1970s and popular through the 1980s, the Big Bore variant addressed demands from hunters seeking greater stopping power in lever-action rifles. With its 20-inch barrel and compact handling, this rifle is well-suited for hunting in dense brush or wooded terrain, where quick shots and manageable recoil are critical. The .375 Winchester cartridge itself provides excellent performance on medium and large game at moderate ranges, making it highly favored by hunters pursuing whitetail deer, black bear, and wild hogs.

Beyond its performance capabilities, the Winchester Model 94 XTR Big Bore stands out for its classic aesthetics and durability. The rifle typically features a richly blued finish paired with checkered walnut stocks, exemplifying Winchester's commitment to craftsmanship and quality during this period. Its solid top receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, providing hunters with increased accuracy options while maintaining the classic appeal of iron sights. Today, the Winchester 94 XTR Big Bore in .375 Win has become a sought-after collectible due to its unique chambering, discontinued production status, and enduring reputation as an effective hunting rifle.