The serial number indicates that the receiver was made in 1978 and the X at the end indicates that it was experimental. This carbine was consigned by a friend of Peter and Patty Murray who had access to almost anything in the Winchester factory. This carbine has a takedown action and carbines were manufactured with a solid frame only. The takedown system on this particular carbine is unique in itself. A pushbutton to the rear of the front barrel band must be depressed to allow the magazine tube to slide forward about 1/2 inch which pulls it out of engagement with the front of the receiver. The barrel can then be rotated 90 degrees to the right, freeing the interrupted thread. The front sight is a blade integral to the barrel band and the rear sight is an adjustable sporting type. The barrel has the standard markings and the Winchester proof appears on the top of the receiver and barrel at the breech. The forearm and straight grip stock are checkered. Checkering and the .44/40 caliber were features only found on commemorative guns of the period. The receiver appears to have been casehardened but it only has traces of pattern remain on the upper tang and the remainder has been cleaned. The remaining metal surfaces are finished blue. The forearm and stock are a nice fancy straight grain with a checkered black plastic Winchester buttplate. An interesting piece to add to any Winchester collection.

Appears to be unused with 99% of the original bright blue finish remaining. The artificial casehardening pattern on the frame, as mentioned above, is now mostly gray. The wood is excellent with only minor handling marks and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. An interesting and unique Model 1894 with an experimental takedown action.