Winchester 1894s... which one?

[peacemaker45]

I've had a hankering for a .30-30 for a while. Since I don't plan to scope it, the open topped Winchester would work fine for me. What I'm less sure about is which one to get.

It'll be more working gun than safe queen. That being the case, is there any point holding out for a pre '64? How do they compare to the post '64s, AEs, AE cross bolts, and modern tang safety guns, in terms of quality, accuracy, usability, etc? One of my LGSs has an AE cross bolt, LNIB, for $450.

 

[shafter]

For someone who has as much appreciation for the Winchester 94 I don't know much about them. I'm pretty sure that the rifle you speak of was designated as the 1894 for a brief time and then it simply became the Winchester 94. I love the old rifles but if this is to be a working rifle I don't think its necessary to hold out for a pre-64 or anything, and since you don't plan to scope it you won't need an angle-eject model.

That being said if I was going to buy another I would get an older one if for no other reason than liking the patina the older ones develop. I like my guns to be attractive but not safe queens. I don't shoot everything often but I at least like for them to be serviceable and not have to worry about scratches or anything.

 

[osteodoc08]

They're all serviceable. If you want a shooter grade, find one your wallet can afford and feels good to the shoulder.

We can debate the pre/post 64 all day long, but a plain shooter grade, knock around gun, it wouldn't matter to me.

 

[MartinS]

Not all post 64 guns are the same, you get to make choices. Half cock no safety, rebounding hammer, safety, stamped carrier, cast carrier, cast receivers, later forged receivers, top onto your hat ejection, side ejection, rattles more, rattles less. Have fun, they all will shoot. Come back and tell us what you get.

 

[Malamute]

I prefer pre-64s, and prefer pre-war guns (early types more than ramp front sights etc) more than later ones. If I find one for a reasonable price, fine, I'm happy, though I have less concerns with post 64 guns than some. Stamped carriers (lifter) in earlier post 64's can be changed fairly simply if you can get the part, or even care about it. I really dont care for the crossbolt guns, and dont mind the angle eject, but to each their own. I prefer the Winchester action to others in any event. Guess to me, its hard to go far wrong, especially if its a working gun. I'm not bashful about changing things to look how I prefer, even on working guns, but other details aren't as big of a deal to me. They all get the job done. The one your local shop has sounds like a fair deal.


...and actually, they havent been 18 94's since about the late teens.

 

[Abel]

I like them all. But I really love the pre-WW2 models and the 94AE with good walnut and the ability to mount an optic. I really would like one of the limited run 94AE in 25-35, or and old pre war 32 Win Special.

 

[toiville2feathers]

1894's in 30-30 originally were black powder rifles. When they started with the nickel steel barrels they called it the 30 WCF. Post war they started calling them 30-30 again.
If your looking for a working gun in a 1894,make sure it is marked on the barrel that it is nickel steel. You can use modern day ammo in them.
IMHO there is one cartridge that beats all others hand down in a lever action and that is 38-55. That is one outstanding cartridge,but for some reason,unknown to me, very few were produced.

 

[BluegrassDan]

You should be able to find a nice pre-64 for $450. They can be had with a good bore and maybe a few dings or scratches.

 

[SC Shooter]

If you shop around, you can pick up a very good pre-64 for about the same price as a post 64. I just picked up a very nice Model 94 with a manufacture date of 1949 that is good enough for me to show off, but reasonable enough to take to the woods.t

 

[Malamute]

1894's in 30-30 originally were black powder rifles. When they started with the nickel steel barrels they called it the 30 WCF. Post war they started calling them 30-30 again.
If your looking for a working gun in a 1894,make sure it is marked on the barrel that it is nickel steel. You can use modern day ammo in them.
IMHO there is one cartridge that beats all others hand down in a lever action and that is 38-55. That is one outstanding cartridge,but for some reason,unknown to me, very few were produced.

The first 94's made were black powder guns, but were in 38-55 and 32-40. None of the 30 WCF or 30-30's were black powder guns or made with black powder barrels or loaded with black powder. They didn't make them in 30 cal for the first year or so because they were having trouble machining the extra grade steel barrels. All the 30-30, or 30 WCF guns, whatever you choose to call them, are fine with standard modern smokeless loads.

I agree the 38-55 is a very good round, especially the Winchester High Velocity loads Winchester and others loaded for a while many many years ago, but the trajectory couldn't match the 30 WCF. Most folks liked the 30 cal round, it was relatively flat shooting at medium range, mild recoiling, and enough gun for what most people needed for game.

 

[joed]

About 10 years ago I wanted a model 94. It was meant to be a working gun and I do not baby it. I ended up buying a 1966 version from the local gunshop. Mine was used by one of the local police departments here when they had a mounted unit. It was traded in for an AR once the mounted unit was disbanded.

I've used it and it has never failed me. I'm not particularly fond of lever guns but it serves the purpose.

 

[db_tanker]

mine are 1974-79 mfg. 2 regular and one trapper model my dad bought in 1984.

all three are sweethearts.

 

[Jim Watson]

If I wanted a 94 to shoot, I would look for a rifle rather than the usual carbine.
One of the less flashy commemoratives that has not been kept pristine in the box will do nicely.
A friend had a Canadian centennial with all the post-64 stuff that collectors love to hate, stamped lifter and black chrome un-blueable receiver most obvious.
But the 24" octagon barrel hung on target and shot as accurately as any of us could hold the open sights. Should have gotten a peep.