Winchester 94 scope mount

[martlin]

Hello! I am planning to buy a Winchester 94 from early 80s, the seller says it is a AE.

I have som questions regarding mounting a scope on it.

My plan was to have as low as possible bases installed that does not cover the iron sights, and then mount a scope with some quick release rings (example leupold qrw) on the bases. All this so I can quickly change between the iron sights and the scope.

Does anyone know if there are any bases available that are low enough and dont cover the iron sights completely? Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

I will provide some pictures of the reciever if that helps.

 

[3Crows]

You might consider a forward lever rail for a scout scope install and install a ghost ring set. Thus removing the original buckhorn rear sight for the forward mount of the ghost ring. Then use Warne or Leupold quick release mounts.

https://xssights.com/products/sights/hunting-rifle-sights/winchester/

 

[jmr40]

The Leupold quick release rings will work with a Weaver, or Weaver style base. I THINK you can get the rings in different heights.

But the real key the scope. I'd use a 1-4X20 or similar type scope with a straight tube. You can get those pretty low and avoid hitting the rear sight. If you go with something with a 40mm front objective you may have problems.

I much prefer those low powered scopes on a lever gun anyway. I find 1X to be faster on target than irons and 4X is more enough for the ranges you'll be shooting a 30-30. Plus they are a lot lighter and if I'm going to scope a lever gun I think those look best.

Lots of folks are concerned about low light with the small front objective. The amount of light that comes through a scope is determined by a combination of front objective size and magnification. A 20mm scope set on 4X lets exactly the same amount of light through as a 40mm scope set on 8X. On 2X or 3X a scope with a 20mm front objective lets in more light than a human eye can use.

 

[martlin]

The Leupold quick release rings will work with a Weaver, or Weaver style base. I THINK you can get the rings in different heights.

But the real key the scope. I'd use a 1-4X20 or similar type scope with a straight tube. You can get those pretty low and avoid hitting the rear sight. If you go with something with a 40mm front objective you may have problems.

I much prefer those low powered scopes on a lever gun anyway. I find 1X to be faster on target than irons and 4X is more enough for the ranges you'll be shooting a 30-30. Plus they are a lot lighter and if I'm going to scope a lever gun I think those look best.

Lots of folks are concerned about low light with the small front objective. The amount of light that comes through a scope is determined by a combination of front objective size and magnification. A 20mm scope set on 4X lets exactly the same amount of light through as a 40mm scope set on 8X. On 2X or 3X a scope with a 20mm front objective lets in more light than a human eye can use.

That is exactly what I was thinking. I have a spare Leupold vx-II 1-4x20 that Im going to mount on the gun, it feels like the best option on lever guns as you say. Only problem is that I want to be able to use the iron sights aswell without removing the scope everytime. So leupold qrw with low enough bases would be optimal but im not sure the bases are low enough, thats why Im asking to see if someone has experience with that.

 

[d2wing]

I have a side mount but mine isn't an AE. The scope is offset slightly to the left.

 

[jmr40]

Back in the day they made a scope mount that would allow you to flip the scope to the side to use iron sights, then flip it upright. I can only recall seeing one rifle so equipped. When I did a search, I found this.

Sun Optics Flip-to-Side Scope Mounts | 23% Off 5 Star Rating Free Shipping over $49! (opticsplanet.com)

Looks like it might work with a dot sight.

Not what I remember seeing back in the 1970's. Perhaps someone else remembers them too and can provide some info.

See thru mounts are an option, but I don't advise them.

If you want to co-witness the iron sights while looking through an optic, that is possible, but as far as I know only done with dot sights.

This is my advice.

If you're going to put a scope on it, put a quality scope on it and forget about the iron sights. I've been doing this a while and I've never had a quality scope fail. I've had a couple of cheap blister pack type scopes disappoint, but not a decent scope. I have had iron sights fail. I've had the elevation bar on the rear sight on a lever gun catch on brush and come out before, leaving the rear sight just lying on the barrel. With the ability to go down to 1X I can't think of a thing iron sights do better.

 

[3Crows]

With the ability to go down to 1X I can't think of a thing iron sights do better.

Several things offhand. Slip into a scabbard on a horse/atv/Jeep. Reduce weight and bulk when the rifle is being carried for defensive purposes while hiking or exploring rather than hunting. Mollify the old fogies at the range who think lever guns should never be equipped with scopes.

 

[AJC1]

A scope changes how you Cary a lever gun. If your walking with the gun in hand that might matter. If your in a tree or blind it probably means nothing.

 

[wesmonster]

I had a side mount scope on my '74 top eject, HATED that thing. Too much offset on the scope. Just ruined the balance and feel of the gun. I know for some that's your only option but it's so much easier to mount a scope on a Marlin 336 which is what I wound up with. But still kept the mod. 94, too good a gun to let go.
Only side mount setup I ever saw that looked promising was an OLD one piece side setup with something like a 20mm small tube fixed 3x scope. Small enough and light enough, although probably still not much fun to carry.

 

[.45Coltguy]

OP, I have your exact same rifle[Ranger AE]. I used two piece Weaver bases, Weaver rings and a Weaver K-4 scope[Japan glass]. It sits pretty low, so, not using the irons.
They don't work well for me anyways. That's my set-up.

 

[Hugger-4641]

I use Weaver see thru mounts and a 3-9x40. The see thru mounts do raise the cheek weld, so I have a removable velcro riser/ammo pouch on mine to help with this. If I want to use irons, I just have to press my cheek firmly against the riser to move it asside a little.