New to me Winchester 94

[Obturation]

Hey all,
A question for the winchester folks here.
A buddy of mine called this week to tell me he's short on cash and looking to sell some of his treasures. He prefers black rifles and doesn't care much at all about any other firearms. I went by to see what he had to offer. Among everything he had a mint condition winchester, his dad bought it new in 1997 and never fired it. His dad passed away a few years ago and he got some guns including the rifle in question. He had planned to take it out but never did and had bought ammo for it too. I asked what he wanted for it , he looked puzzled that i even wanted it and pulled out the receipt from 1997 and said since it was still as new he wanted what his dad had paid then. The paper work said $324 and he would give me the ammo 7 boxes of different makes with it as he doesnt have any other 30-30s (thats just wrong to me). I happily paid him and away i went. My question is this, i'm a marlin guy and always have been and i know a post '64 winchester is not highly prized by most. I know winchester moved production to japan some years ago and the current production 94s are well over $1000. Im sure i got a straight deal on the rifle and ammo, but is this a keeper or should i sell it and move along (is it a good quality rifle)? I like the ergonomics and looks but have a couple 30-30s already and really have been wanting a 45 colt henry, i figured maybe ones value may equal the others and i could swap it out. Or should i keep it as im sure these arent getting more common these days. Its a 20" barrel and has ranger stamped on the barrel. Thanks guys!

 

[eastbank]

good deal.

 

[ridgerunner1965]

you got a very nice deal on that rifle for sure. I would research it and see what a good selling price would be, im guessing a bit over 400$


the last 94 I purchased was a used pre crossbolt safety and I gave 325$ for it and its not near as nice shape as yours is.

if you desire the henry then sell the rifle and keep the 100$+ in ammo.

if you truly want a 94 for your collection then you could keep it or sell and find a nice pre crossbolt safety rifle in nice condition.

the pre safety rifles to me are just more pleasing and will prob raise in value faster from now on.

a word of caution on the later 94 rifles. the receiver is a alloy of some sort. they are known for finish flaking or corroding and really don't take a reblue well. so keep it nicely oiled or greased when storing.

 

[ridgerunner1965]

oh and yes it is a good quality rifle.

 

[Obturation]

you got a very nice deal on that rifle for sure. I would research it and see what a good selling price would be, im guessing a bit over 400$


the last 94 I purchased was a used pre crossbolt safety and I gave 325$ for it and its not near as nice shape as yours is.

if you desire the henry then sell the rifle and keep the 100$+ in ammo.

if you truly want a 94 for your collection then you could keep it or sell and find a nice pre crossbolt safety rifle in nice condition.

the pre safety rifles to me are just more pleasing and will prob raise in value faster from now on.

a word of caution on the later 94 rifles. the receiver is a alloy of some sort. they are known for finish flaking or corroding and really don't take a reblue well. so keep it nicely oiled or greased when storing.

Thanks, if this is a good rifle ill just keep it as traditional rifles are getting less common .i dont think ill prefer it to my marlins but who knows. But if its just a walmart special i might move it along.

 

[ontarget]

I like both the Winchester 94 and the Marlin 336. Mine are very similar in accuracy and have obviously always been reliable. I like the lines and style of the Winchester better but I like the ability to scope the Marlin. So I say why not just have one or two of each?

 

[mustanger98]

The Winchester is a lighter weight to carry hunting. The Marlin has fewer moving parts.

I don't know of any crossbolt Winchesters not being the AE version... angle eject... easily scoped with Weaver bases/rings... just as easily as a Marlin. Still handier to carry using the irons.

 

[Ks5shooter]

I have two 94 Winchesters pre-Japan,7-30 Waters and .357 and love them. Just bought the Henry 45 Colt carbine 16.5 barrel and the large loop. You wont be disappointed. You got a good deal and they aren't making the pre Japan anymore. Sell something else to get your Henry. MHO

 

[Olon]

Hey all,
A question for the winchester folks here.
A buddy of mine called this week to tell me he's short on cash and looking to sell some of his treasures. He prefers black rifles and doesn't care much at all about any other firearms. I went by to see what he had to offer. Among everything he had a mint condition winchester, his dad bought it new in 1997 and never fired it. His dad passed away a few years ago and he got some guns including the rifle in question. He had planned to take it out but never did and had bought ammo for it too. I asked what he wanted for it , he looked puzzled that i even wanted it and pulled out the receipt from 1997 and said since it was still as new he wanted what his dad had paid then. The paper work said $324 and he would give me the ammo 7 boxes of different makes with it as he doesnt have any other 30-30s (thats just wrong to me). I happily paid him and away i went. My question is this, i'm a marlin guy and always have been and i know a post '64 winchester is not highly prized by most. I know winchester moved production to japan some years ago and the current production 94s are well over $1000. Im sure i got a straight deal on the rifle and ammo, but is this a keeper or should i sell it and move along (is it a good quality rifle)? I like the ergonomics and looks but have a couple 30-30s already and really have been wanting a 45 colt henry, i figured maybe ones value may equal the others and i could swap it out. Or should i keep it as im sure these arent getting more common these days. Its a 20" barrel and has ranger stamped on the barrel. Thanks guys!View attachment 819846

It's most likely garbage. I will take it off your hands to, um, dispose of it...

Enjoy the new gun, sir

 

[SwampWolf]

Every serious firearm aficionado should have at least one Winchester Model 94 in their collection. And keep those handling-ruining scopes off of them!

 

[Obturation]

Sell something else to get your Henry. MHO

I've had dozens of guns that i've sold and was happy to see go, but only a few that i regret selling. I think i would regret selling anything i've got.

Every serious firearm aficionado should have at least one Winchester Model 94 in their collection. And keep those handling-ruining scopes off of them!

Thats what im liking about the 94, just slim and light, ive got a 336 with a scope and one without. The difference in handling is significant.

 

[gsbuickman]

Wow, smokin' deal & it's definitely a keeper and probably a pretty nice shooter as well, and you'd be hard-pressed to find the same one these days for twice what you gave for it.

 

[Obturation]

Wow, smokin' deal & it's definitely a keeper and probably a pretty nice shooter as well, and you'd be hard-pressed to find the same one these days for twice what you gave for it.

Thats kind of what i was thinking, im pretty much convinced to keep this one, mainly because i doubt another 94 will fall into my lap again and i really wouldnt pay retail for one seeing as i already have 30-30s. I do have 2 daughters too so maybe one of them will enjoy it when they get a little older.

 

[Sav .250]

"Cross bolt safety." Good deal ? With the ammo, sure. Money wise.

 

[MartinS]

The cross bolt safety lets you carry it hammer back, always a good look, fashionwise.

 

[Obturation]

The cross bolt safety lets you carry it hammer back, always a good look, fashionwise.

Unintended piercings are stylish.
"Wicked skull piercing,bro"
-"thanks, did it myself!"
Lol

 

[robhof]

The ammo was worth 1/3rd of your price at todays market prices, shoot it and see how it shoots, if happy, keep it. I've got an older pre62 and it looks rough, but shoots great and has taken some deer, it's definitely a keeper, however if you are really into another gun, then keep it pristine and sell it, you should at the very least get your money back and then some, put it towards what you really want.

 

[Newtosavage]

Enjoy it and shoot it - the way a Winchester 94 should be shot. The more you shoot it, the smoother it will get. Best lever action ever made IMO.

 

[eastbank]

I was on the fence when the new safeties came out on the lever actions but after using them on several of my newer lever actions, when loading and unloading I think they are a welcome addition for new or young hunters. it seems that most AD,s with lever actions happen then. still the best safety is between your ears.

 

[Pat Riot]

Obturation,
I think you got a good deal. I would have jumped on it. That’s for sure.

Here is the Winchester link to this rifle:
http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/rifles/model-94/Model-94-past-products/model-94-ranger.html

Apparently the “Ranger” was a no frills basic lever gun. The stocks are hardwood, not Walnut and there is no saddle ring. (That doodad that no one ever uses but always comments if it’s missing). They also have a tougher finish. They were made for hunting, not sitting on a rack and having people staring at them while lamenting the cross bolt safety...sorry, being a bit of a smart&@$.

Anyway, I have a Trapper. Same gun but with a 16” barrel...and a saddle ring. I love that gun. If there ever came a time that I needed only one rifle, that would be the rifle I would take.

I also have a Marlin 336 30-30 and I like it very much but there is just something about that Winchester...

Keep it, shoot it, then decide.

 

[Obturation]

Obturation,
I think you got a good deal. I would have jumped on it. That’s for sure.

Here is the Winchester link to this rifle:
http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/rifles/model-94/Model-94-past-products/model-94-ranger.html

Apparently the “Ranger” was a no frills basic lever gun. The stocks are hardwood, not Walnut and there is no saddle ring. (That doodad that no one ever uses but always comments if it’s missing). They also have a tougher finish. They were made for hunting, not sitting on a rack and having people staring at them while lamenting the cross bolt safety...sorry, being a bit of a smart&@$.

Anyway, I have a Trapper. Same gun but with a 16” barrel...and a saddle ring. I love that gun. If there ever came a time that I needed only one rifle, that would be the rifle I would take.

I also have a Marlin 336 30-30 and I like it very much but there is just something about that Winchester...

Keep it, shoot it, then decide.

Exactly the feedback i was looking for. I really had made up my mind on keeping her pretty quickly and just wanted some guys in the know to tell me this wasnt some bizzare kmart model with plastic guts or something.
I have only ever owned 1 winchester, a model 250. I still have it, shoots great but its an oddball and not really a quality rifle. I traded 100 rounds of 45 acp for that one about 10 years ago so it doesnt owe me anything and it shoots straight. Im unfamiliar with winchester as a whole, just never really had any of them around. I saw the 16" trapper takedown 45-70 in current production on their site, dang that looks sweet. Any thoughts on the japanese guns?

 

[Jimster]

Love it. Everyone should have a ‘94 and a 1911.

 

[jmr40]

That is a Ranger. The budget rifle with cheap wood, cheaper sights and the metal finish is not as well done, and by 1997 quality is starting downhill. The ones with the cross bolt safety are less desirable too. $324 is more than I'd have paid for the rifle, but that is $100 worth of ammo so you did OK.

The cross bolt safety lets you carry it hammer back, always a good look, fashionwise.

No! It is used when unloading the rifle. Keep the safety off and the hammer down when hunting. The CBS is probably a good idea to use while lowering the hammer in case it slips from your hand. But AD's are fairly common when unloading lever actions and cycling the ammo through the chamber. Activating the safety will prevent the gun from firing if you un intentionally hit the trigger while unloading.

 

[Pat Riot]

Any thoughts on the japanese guns?

I have no personal experience with them, but everyone I know that has one really likes them. The ones I have looked at in stores and at matches look great.

 

[Pat Riot]

This is my Winchester 94AE Trapper Carbine 30-30.
It looks green because it is. I had it Cerakoted with Mil Spec Green after a stupid incident where my friend’s cooler leaked and the water ended up in my 94’s gun rug. The memory of the incident raises my blood pressure so I will just say it got surface rust and I had to redo it.

I added an Acton “Kick Killer” lace on butt pad, a leather sling and XS Sights iron Sights.

Love this Carbine.