Yes indeed they did. The "Classic" series included an octagon rifle and short rifle--nice wood, needless cheap-looking engraving, and a gold plated loading gate. They made them in the late-60's-early '70's. These had octagon barrels. Then, a whole flock of the most bizarre looking "commemoratives" came out--usually in the same pairing--26 and 20 inch barrels. Some commemoratives had round barrels, but most were octagon. I have a classic rifle (26 inch), with a regular 94 loading gate and a steel lifter. It's a tack driver. At the time all of these "commemoratives" were coming out, Winchester made their own barrels, on some pretty ancient-looking equipment. Many of those who own Octagon rifles of that era and have shot them consider them to be very accurate--even though Winchester was trying to market them as safe queens. There were so many comemoratives that came out, comemorating nearly everything imaginable, that most were worth less than a decent working 94 in the end. Several postings, on various gun websites, have been made by guys who've shot a Buffalo Bill model 94 like yours, with very good results. Maybe one of these guys posted on this website--I remember seeing one but don't recall where. IMO, hunt and shoot your rifle. I've hunted with my Classic ever since 1969. It's worth a whole lot more to me as a gun that I use, and I won't part with it.
