Winchester Model 94 Question

[BamaMinuteman]

I am really looking into buying a model 94 lever action gun for Christmas. I think it is the perfect round for the southern deer I go after and I have always thought of the Winchester model 94 as a classic great gun that I need in my collection. My question is when I am in the gun store or at a gun show what are the top aspects of the model 94 that I should look at to determine its true quality and value. Also how can I tell the difference between the pre 64 and post 64 models? Hope yall can help!

 

[Bobarino]

pre 64 have serials numbers below 2.7 million. other than that, i'd just look for the usual stuff. nice wood, no rust or pitting, smooth action and no binding, good bore and muzzle. i have a '94 from the early 80's and i love it. it's most fun gun i have. be prepared to pay a premium for a nice pre-64 model though. prices have risen since Winchester stopped producing them a few years ago.

Bobby

 

[Tirod]

They are not all .30-30, which is what I assume you mean by the perfect round. That's a debate I'll leave to others, since I use it, too.

Use Leverevolution ammo, it can extend the dead on sighting range another 50 yards. It takes a decent amount of bullet drop out of targeting, but you should practice to see what it really does.

I've got a Ring Saddle Carbine made in October, '64, it works just fine. I seriously doubt you'll ever see a Pre-64 outside of a collection or museum because the older shooters thought that Winchesters inefficient hand fitted parts were some how superior. They now command a serious premium - but require handfitting by a gunsmith if a repair is needed. The "cheap" modern rifles are a better bargain simply because that's all you can get.

There were eras of production, cross bolt safeties, and angle eject are also available. What isn't is new American production. I understand new may be available from Japan.

Having gotten one without even knowing, I would get the oldest cleanest you can. Mine is far from mint, it's been carried and used. Adding another speckle to it every year seems to help it's character more than hurt my appreciation. I wanted a old one and got about as old as I could without paying a premium.

 

[TXHORNS]

Its tough to find and afford a pre-64. I searched for a few years and finally got one reasonably priced in great shape made in 1961, most I saw in this condition were $700+, I didnt pay even close to that. I was pretty happy but when it comes to hunting, my Marlin 336c is what I turn to. Not to say that the Model 94 isn't great, especially the pre-64 or pre-safety models, but my Marlin does everything the Winchester does, its brand new, cheaper and replaceable if I screw it up. Plus a good used one after deer season will run you $300 or so. Brand new $450(336c) or $400(336w) depending on which model you go with. They have some pretty serious history too btw and can be scoped easier if you are into that sorta thing. Just an idea.

But as far as what to look for, start with the serial number that has already been mentioned. The pre-64' do look and feel better to me, my brother's 94 was made in the 80's and it shoots exactly the same as mine, just feels a bit "cheaper". His was priced like a used Marlin.

So I started off just like you, I wanted a Model 94 just to have one and I insisted it be a pre-64. Then after I got it I thought it was too nice for anything other than walking to the deer stand with. Hence the Marlin purchase as my workhorse levergun. My Model 94mostly sits in the stable lookin good. And to be honest, I really like my 2 Levergun system right now.