Winchester 94 Trails End Takedown .38-55 20″ Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- Takedown reduces transport length by 15.5 inches — from 38" to 22.5".
- Button-rifled 20-inch barrel ensures consistent 1:15 twist rate for .38-55.
- Drilled-and-tapped receiver accepts standard #8-40 optic bases.
- 6+1 tube magazine capacity allows for 7 rounds of 255-grain ammunition.
Trade-offs
- Tang safety requires breaking grip to disengage — adds 0.5-1 second to first shot.
- 1:15 twist rate limits optimal bullet selection to 200-300 grain range.
- Walnut stock lacks checkering — expect less grip with wet or gloved hands.
- No included hard case — adds $80-150 for proper takedown transport.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Winchester 94 Trails End Takedown .38-55? It is a lever-action rifle engineered for compact transport via its barrel-receiver takedown system, chambered in the classic .38-55 Winchester caliber. This model retains the traditional John Browning-designed action while adding modern user-serviceability. Its 20-inch button-rifled barrel and right-hand walnut stock configuration make it a purpose-built field rifle, not a museum piece.
What is the Winchester 94 Trails End Takedown used for?
The Winchester 94 Trails End Takedown is used for hunting medium game at ranges up to 150 yards, backcountry packing, and as a training platform for lever-action mechanics. Its .38-55 Winchester cartridge generates approximately 1,300 ft-lbs of muzzle energy with a 255-grain load, sufficient for whitetail and black bear. The 6+1 tube magazine capacity and tang safety make it practical for sequential shots in brush country.
How does the Winchester 94 Trails End compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Winchester 94 Trails End is better for rapid follow-up shots and packability, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is superior for precise, long-range engagements. The Winchester's lever action cycles a second shot in under 1.5 seconds versus the Stevens' 2-3 second bolt manipulation. However, the Stevens 334 will deliver tighter groups beyond 200 yards due to its locked-breech design and higher-pressure .308 Winchester cartridge.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 7.2 pounds unloaded and measures 38 inches in overall length. The takedown feature reduces its transport length to 22.5 inches when separated at the barrel-band junction. The walnut stock has a length of pull of 13.75 inches, and the 20-inch barrel has a 1:15 rifling twist rate stabilized for bullets between 200 and 300 grains.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for precision shooters requiring sub-MOA accuracy or those needing a high-capacity, semi-automatic platform. Its 1:15 twist rate limits optimal bullet weight selection compared to modern .38-55 rifles with 1:12 twists. It is also a poor choice for left-handed shooters, as the ejection port directs spent brass directly across the firing line from the right shoulder.
What's in the box?
The box contains the rifle separated into barrel/forend and receiver/stock assemblies, one 6-round full-length tube magazine, a takedown adjustment wrench, and the required safety manual. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a hard case; expect a cardboard carton with foam inserts. You will need to supply your own gun-cleaning kit and appropriate .38-55 Winchester ammunition.
Is the Winchester 94 Trails End Takedown worth it at $1480.99?
At $1,480.99, this rifle is worth it for shooters who specifically value historical cartridge authenticity and practical takedown functionality. You are paying a premium of roughly $400 over a standard, non-takedown Model 94 for the machining and fitting of the barrel interface. For a hunter needing one rifle to do everything, a Stevens 334 in .243 Win offers more versatile ammunition selection at nearly half the cost.
Key attributes
| upc | 048702003851 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 534191117 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .38-55 Winchester |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Blue |
| model | M94 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.95 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Weaver or Picatinny optics mounts?
- Yes, the drilled-and-tapped receiver is compatible with common one-piece bases from manufacturers like Leupold and Weaver. The pattern uses #8-40 screws spaced 0.860 inches apart on centers. You will need to purchase a base specific to the Winchester 94 flat-top receiver profile.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case when taken down?
- When separated, the two main components fit in a compact case measuring approximately 24 inches in interior length. I use a Pelican 1750 Rifle Case for transport, which accommodates the rifle, wrench, and two boxes of ammunition with 3.5 inches of foam padding on all sides.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping typically takes 3-5 business days for in-stock items once the FFL documentation is verified. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required and mandatory 2-day air service, in compliance with ATF regulations for non-licensee transfers.
- Can I return it if the takedown mechanism is loose?
- Returns for mechanical issues are handled through Ironclad Armory's warranty service, not as a standard return. The takedown fitting has a factory-set tolerance of 0.002-0.004 inches; if it exceeds 0.008 inches of play, contact us within 30 days for a prepaid shipping label to our Bozeman facility for inspection and adjustment.
- Does this work with a .375 Winchester cartridge?
- No, it is chambered exclusively for .38-55 Winchester. While dimensions are similar, .375 Winchester operates at a higher maximum pressure of 52,000 CUP versus 30,000 CUP for .38-55. Firing a .375 Winchester in this rifle constitutes an unsafe overpressure condition and will damage the action.