Deltaboy1984
Member
Go with the older one since the money is about even.
Winchester 94 value/desirability
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stumpers
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I apologize for the photos; as good as the iPhone is, it's not a substitute for a real camera.
I settled on the older Winchester. After cycling the action on both and shaking them both at the suggestion of the gentleman I was trading with, I wanted the older gun. The bore on the 1940s gun is every bit as good as the bore on the newer gun - which was very good.
I don't doubt that the 1970s model 94s are good guns, I've hunted with and shot a few. However, I had never handled a pre-64 until today. The difference is immeasurable in regard to the smoothness and tightness of the action.
The quality of the old guns versus the new ones is, on some level, very sickening. I understand why Winchester made the switch from forged to stamped, but knowing the difference now makes all the difference.
I can live with the extra screw holes and the worn bluing and the so-so peep sight. It will sit in my trunk and be carried in the field/woods for deer season and see moderate use I wouldn't subject a pristine Model 94 to.
I apologize for the photos; as good as the iPhone is, it's not a substitute for a real camera.
I settled on the older Winchester. After cycling the action on both and shaking them both at the suggestion of the gentleman I was trading with, I wanted the older gun. The bore on the 1940s gun is every bit as good as the bore on the newer gun - which was very good.
I don't doubt that the 1970s model 94s are good guns, I've hunted with and shot a few. However, I had never handled a pre-64 until today. The difference is immeasurable in regard to the smoothness and tightness of the action.
The quality of the old guns versus the new ones is, on some level, very sickening. I understand why Winchester made the switch from forged to stamped, but knowing the difference now makes all the difference.
I can live with the extra screw holes and the worn bluing and the so-so peep sight. It will sit in my trunk and be carried in the field/woods for deer season and see moderate use I wouldn't subject a pristine Model 94 to.
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Ya done good.
This old 94 rifle rode in a saddle scabbard in Montana and Wyoming about the turn of the last century. Then it rode back from Montana to Missouri the same way. The family always suspected the owner got into some mischief in the range wars back then, but he never would talk about any of his experiences out west.
The front sight is a bead, and it is just about wore plumb a way from all those miles in a scabbard. The action is as smooth as a mule's nose and it shoots like a laser. I wouldn't trade it for 3 post 64 models.
This old 94 rifle rode in a saddle scabbard in Montana and Wyoming about the turn of the last century. Then it rode back from Montana to Missouri the same way. The family always suspected the owner got into some mischief in the range wars back then, but he never would talk about any of his experiences out west.
The front sight is a bead, and it is just about wore plumb a way from all those miles in a scabbard. The action is as smooth as a mule's nose and it shoots like a laser. I wouldn't trade it for 3 post 64 models.
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rugerman
Member
Since you want it for hunting ask the seller if its ok to try them both out, meet at a range fire 5 or 10 rounds thru each and pick the one with the best group.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
That is NOT what I was expecting. I was expecting heavily worn bluing and three or four boogered up looking, open screw holes. What I see is very light finish wear for a rifle of that age, three very well done screw holes with unboogered plug screws along with a Williams Foolproof peep sight and a steel dovetail blank. Based on this, I definitely would've bought this rifle instead of the newer one. And that is NOT a "so-so" peep sight, the Williams FP is excellent and would be my pick for a new receiver sight. The rifle is in great shape, it has been VERY well taken care of all its life and you made the right choice! I would strongly suggest NOT just leaving this fine old rifle in your trunk. It deserves better. Treat it well.
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