I've decided for some reason I need a 30-30 lever. I have a handle on a wartime production (43-47 per the seller) Model 94 that looks clean enough (not collectible, but shootable).

anything I need to be concerned about with the 94's made during that time? I have a good handle on Pre 64 Model 70's, but not the 94s.

Thanks

I have a flatband and it is great. Quite a bit smoother than my 1950's 94.

I had a flat band .25-35 that I reluctantly sold earlier this year, and I still regret it. Mine was among the best of the 94s that I had in my little collection.

Sorry to be a non winchesternhead, but Marlins were made to scope with the side eject and I have been told much stronger.

From my research the Winchester is considerably stronger than a Marlin 336. While both are strong enough for normal and even heavy use, many 336 have come apart. Some Wincher 94's have also don't get wrong but P.O. Ackley had one that had a double load of fast burning pistol powder. The barrel literally detonated as well as the entire front half of the gun. The receiver received no damage except the threads where the barrel was ripped out. The action was rebarreled and the gun put back into service. The Marlins do have the advantage of easy scope installation. I have both makes and enjoy both so don't have any axe to grind.

Sorry for that stuvwxyz!
I have also been told John Browning did not design weak actions!

These forums are great places to learn but their are a lot of prejudices. I call this the, "I have one and so did my grandpa so it has to be the best" syndrome. I am a devout pre 64 model 70 man but have to admit the Remington 700 is a stronger action, not better, but stronger from my experiences. I hate tubular actions but the round receiver of the Japanese Arisaka is almost bomb proof. I dislike striker fired pistols but readily admit their are some excellent striker fire pistols out there. I really don't have any axe to grind on the 336 or the 94 debate as I own both but each has its advantages and drawbacks. Somewhere years ago I read an article about a pair of gunsmiths who were doing some experimenting on blowing up different action. They assumed the Winchester 94 would be an easy gun to destroy. They tried and tried to make the action break using excessive loads without success. Finally they succeeded in warping the action some and making it unusable. I am trying to find that old article. We kinda hijacked the thread and apologize for that.

That 94 should be great. You'll love it.

But then I like my 50's 94 too.

I want the Winchester because this is a short range, easy to carry, fun, "brush gun". I already have several scoped rifles that are far more accurate than a lever could hope to be.

Wants something butt ass light, easy to carry, and fun to shoot. Heck - I don't even like the 30-30 cartridge - but I think I need one.

I love my 94 built in the 1920's shoots lights out! It has a receiver peep and I had the trigger worked and it needed a new spring. I plan on shooting it today.
Have you looked the the Marlin model 93 sporting carbine? I like em also. Then there are these pesky savage model 99's that have a magazine for pointy bullets...........there are lots of 30/30 levers.
I have yet to get a flatband though, sounds like you are onto a good one.

I have a 1948 flat band '94 and also a 1979 '94. The 1948 is so tight compared to the 1979, it's almost silly. The only downside is it is not drilled and tapped for a peep on the receiver or tang. After shooting it with the open sights, I was impressed. It is pretty consistent with Rem 170 factory < 2" at 100 when I do my part.

The 1979 is no slouch either, shoots 150's comparable with a Williams peep.

Matt

the flat band is not rare but not plentiful either. they were and are some of the nicest shooting 94's I have had. that said there are a lot of other 30-30's and other caliber levers to choose from. I paid 450 for the last flat band I bought and it is sort of a gray rat but does shoot great.
a 92 Winchester is about as slick an action as you will find. Clones are available for less then real Winchesters.
I have a rossi puma in 454 casull that is a dandy.