Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Canada New Winchester Model 94

In the Gunwriter's forum, there is a thread about Savage Model 99s - would they make reproductions, how many would buy them, etc. That piqued my curiosity and I checked the Cabelas Canada availability for Model 94s. For $1670 + tax, you can own a new production 30-30. My questions:

First, would you hunt using the 30-30 cartridge, regardless of rifle platform?
Second, would you pay $1670 + tax for a reproduction Model 94?

I wouldn't, but I am curious what your feelings are.

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/36812/winchester-model-94-sporter-lever-action-rifle

I've been hunting with the .30-30 since '84. The first is a Model 94 Trapper and #2 is a Contender. Nothing broken with that cartridge that needs to be fixed though it has limitations like any of the rest. The former is a very functional brush gun that I have full confidence in out to 150 yards or so. I find the Contender sufficiently precise that I'd use it on deer out to 250 yards or a bit more if I found the opportunity here in the swamps.

Wouldn't pay that much for a '94 though....don't need 2.

I know what you mean. The 30-30 continues to be popular, not because of glitz, but simply because it gets the job done.

I have a Mossberg 464 and a 30-30 Contender. If I wanted another 30-30 lever though, it wouldn't be a Model 94. New, these are almost $1900 Cdn! There are enough used 94s around at $700 (crazy, I know) that would scratch that itch. And frankly, I'd like an original anyway.

First, Steve, of course I would hunt with a .30-30. (Although I prefer the.303 Savage).

Second, your post piqued my interest. Doing a little research, I see that the 94 of interest has an msrp of abute $1400 in US dollars. Would I pay that for one? Some days I might for one in .38-55, but not if they’re made in Japan.

I have two Winchester 94's already and yes I've hunted with them since I bought the first in 1982. Both say "Made in New Haven Conn. USA". Wouldn't buy one that was made anywhere else.

the ad says only sold in Canada.. its made in Japan,

Love my Model 94 30-30 Trapper with the 16” bbl. Handy little pig killing carbine.

That's because it is illegal to export firearms from Canada without a permit. It's the same if I contacted a US gun shop and asked them ship it directly to me in Canada.

with the exception of a few nostalgia seekers, the days of the lever action is behind us. Once folks learned that making the first shot count is far better than having up to seven quick follow up shots, the bolt action became king of the deer hunting woods......and I suspect will continue to be just that.

My Browning M-65 in .218 bee is my nostalgia gun.....other than that, I can find no practical reason to own a lever gun....even though the old Winchester M-88 has peaked my interest, it's not getting good reviews on another forum.

I grew up with a Marlin M-39-A and a Savage M-99......I later owned a M-94 in .30-30 and a M-92 in .25-20. Then I discovered the M-70 and have never looked back

I respectfully disagree. I hunt often with a bolt gun or Ruger No. 1, but they can’t match my Marlins or my 99’s for ease of carrying and handling when long days on foot in the woods is the plan.

My FIL fed 7 kids with a m94 30-30.......to bad they didn't expand on the chambering, as my m94 is a 307win, and my go to whitetail rifle.

Absolutely. No bolt action carries as well as a M94 or 336. None. Bolt guns are just too fat at the balance point and that applies even to very light weight bolt guns. Bolt actions offer no real advantage to a whtetail hunter who is strictly a woods hunter. They gained popularity for such because most hunters today sit on their ass in a stand and still hunting and tracking are becoming lost arts. The supposed accuracy advantage of a bolt gun is also of no advantage whatsoever to a woods hunter. Both of my M94's will group inside 2" at 100 yards and my 336 is a solid sub MOA performer. Either will dependably take any whtetail in the woods with a single shot. A fact I have demonstrated roughly 80 times over the years.

Uberti also makes replica 94s now. Only one I've seen (online) is a carbine, in .30/30 and IIRC .38/55. Worth a look if you can't find an original to your liking, but they cost a bunch too.


An LGS had a really nice M64 for sale, but alas my funds were otherwise engaged. $899!

First..yeah I'd hunt with a .30-30 ( I have...many times...and successfully...)
And Second: NO I wouldnt pay that for a repro with an Angle-eject receiver, redundant tang safety etc.

Theres still plenty of vintage M94s out there, even pre-64s for less than the price of that comical POS

Another good purchase I made and being at the right place at the right time...

right before Winchester was going to quit making the Model 94, I picked up one at a local retailer LGS... that had ordered a couple of them in, at a good price since they were being discontinued...

Got a full length magazine in their Legacy model, with a 26 inch barrel.

Paid $300 for it, new in the box....

then they weren't in production for a year or two, and then brought the same ones back out...

with a $1300 price tag...

it'll probably be for sale right after I drop dead....

ingwe;
Good afternoon sir, I trust all is well in your part of the world this mild July afternoon.

In my view you're right on regarding why folks aren't lining up for new '94's - there's still a good supply on the used market - many of which are in fine shape.

Up here they're going for roughly $350-$450 for a very nice post '64 and pre '64 versions go for $500 on up depending upon condition.

I want to say John Barsness has mentioned something similar about Savage 99's too in that there's enough on the market to keep anyone interested in getting one happy.

Lastly, I have to agree with your thoughts on the safety. I actually picked up an Italian - Chiappa - '92 copy instead of a Winchester or even Rossi because I just could not get past the silly safety on them.

All the best to you folks ingwe and good luck on your upcoming fishing trip too.

Dwayne

When I wanted a 30/30 like load I just produced one for my 06 using the 170 gr. bullet and a low charge of I4895 powder. Took a deer just fine. No need to spend hundreds of dollars on something overpriced.

Jim

I hunt with my 3030 more and more. it is a leaver action but it is a mod. 99 savage. fits in the hands equal or better than a mod. 94. haven said that I do have 2 94s a 3855 made in 1897 and a trapper in 45 colt. made before the safety thingy.

Thanks Dwayne! You're spot on concerning the Winchesters!

Looking forward to getting up amongst your people again!