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I've been wanting one of these for years just never bought one. I think I'm ready. No reason really just like the old lever action function, looks and history. Have lots of guns just not one of these. No levers at all. Anyway I just about pulled the trigger on one last weekend at a gun show. I just couldn't decide which one so bought none. I'm not versed well in the Win 94s. So can anyone give me tips, ideas, facts etc before I pull the trigger. Pun intended. They had a brand new one for 625. Another used one that look fairly new and great shape for 500. Another used one that was probably a pre 64, weathered a bit but solid for 560. I think I like the 20 in barrel. Do not like octagon. I would like to not only own but shoot this gun. Maybe hunt a little? So having a well functioning gun is important. Thanks
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They were made long enough that there are several eras, and a lot to cover. In short, pre '64 are the best, and '64 until late '70s are the worst. You can recognize these by the cartridge lifter. The pre '64 is machined, the '64 till late '70s are stamped. There are other differences as well, but it is a big topic. I have one AE and like it, but some are dismissive of them. They are from the early '80s onward.
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They were made long enough that there are several eras, and a lot to cover. In short, pre '64 are the best, and '64 until late '70s are the worst. You can recognize these by the cartridge lifter. The pre '64 is machined, the '64 till late '70s are stamped. There are other differences as well, but it is a big topic. I have one AE and like it, but some are dismissive of them. They are from the early '80s onward. Not quite. The stamped carriers only lasted from 64-68. Thereafter Winchester started to fix the most glaring shortcomings of the post 64's, replacing the stamped carriers, cheap, stained hardwood stocks and crappy, prone to flake, black chrome reciever finish. By the mid '70's the receivers were plated and then blued, the carriers were machined and the stocks were again walnut. Not as good as a pre 64, but the '70's guns weren't bad and a whole lot better than one from the 64-68 time frame.
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My favorite 94 is a pre-64 in .32 Spl. with the longer forearm.
Last edited by Mossyoak1957; 02/05/20.
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I like AE's with 16" barrels in pistol cartridge chamberings and no safety. Though that is not possible in 357, they didn't chamber those until after the safety came along.
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I'm a pre 64 guy.
Pay up and pay for quality and original.
Saddle ring carbine in nice original condition will cost you, but you will appreciate it, and you will never have an issue trying to sell it in the future.
Condition condition condition!
Careful though, lever guns get addicting!
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Thx for info. I'll investigate the pre 64s. Out of curiosity
...how are the new ones?
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They were made long enough that there are several eras, and a lot to cover. In short, pre '64 are the best, and '64 until late '70s are the worst. You can recognize these by the cartridge lifter. The pre '64 is machined, the '64 till late '70s are stamped. There are other differences as well, but it is a big topic. I have one AE and like it, but some are dismissive of them. They are from the early '80s onward. Not quite. The stamped carriers only lasted from 64-68. Thereafter Winchester started to fix the most glaring shortcomings of the post 64's, replacing the stamped carriers, cheap, stained hardwood stocks and crappy, prone to flake, black chrome reciever finish. By the mid '70's the receivers were plated and then blued, the carriers were machined and the stocks were again walnut. Not as good as a pre 64, but the '70's guns weren't bad and a whole lot better than one from the 64-68 time frame. Yep. Black heart is right. That’s the way I understand it too. I have a 1973 model ‘94, and its a pretty good rifle. It was in rough shape when I bought it, so I refinished the stock myself and had my old gunsmith work on the receiver. Somehow, he was able to polish and blue it, and I’m happy with the results. The rifle didn’t have collector value IMO, and it’s one that I’ll hang onto. Killed several nice bucks with it. Don’t overlook those models. The new rifles are put together well, Miroku knows their stuff. I do detest the extraneous safeties though. The pre-safety AE models are some of my favorites. Hope you find one you like.
Last edited by paint; 02/05/20.
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One can buy a pre64 M94 for less $’s than the new production M94’s.
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
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They were made long enough that there are several eras, and a lot to cover. In short, pre '64 are the best, and '64 until late '70s are the worst. You can recognize these by the cartridge lifter. The pre '64 is machined, the '64 till late '70s are stamped. There are other differences as well, but it is a big topic. I have one AE and like it, but some are dismissive of them. They are from the early '80s onward. Not quite. The stamped carriers only lasted from 64-68. Thereafter Winchester started to fix the most glaring shortcomings of the post 64's, replacing the stamped carriers, cheap, stained hardwood stocks and crappy, prone to flake, black chrome reciever finish. By the mid '70's the receivers were plated and then blued, the carriers were machined and the stocks were again walnut. Not as good as a pre 64, but the '70's guns weren't bad and a whole lot better than one from the 64-68 time frame. I have one of '70 manufacture with flaked receiver, stamped lifter, and real plain wood. It has functioned 100% and killed the hell out of deer. Shoots pretty good. But the differences are obvious when compared to pre-64s or later post-64s. Those 3 items, the lifter being the least obvious, were changed and the aesthetics were greatly improved. The lifter is a "function" item, and if you don't try to close the action after cracking it open to check for a loaded chamber, it usually is not a concern. The stamped one couldn't take the pressure exerted on it closing the action after partially opening it..
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Got my wife a little 16" carbine a few years ago and danged if I didn't get a blacktail with it. Post 64 couldn't tell you when ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/iFSluyi.jpg)
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They were made long enough that there are several eras, and a lot to cover. In short, pre '64 are the best, and '64 until late '70s are the worst. You can recognize these by the cartridge lifter. The pre '64 is machined, the '64 till late '70s are stamped. There are other differences as well, but it is a big topic. I have one AE and like it, but some are dismissive of them. They are from the early '80s onward. Not quite. The stamped carriers only lasted from 64-68. Thereafter Winchester started to fix the most glaring shortcomings of the post 64's, replacing the stamped carriers, cheap, stained hardwood stocks and crappy, prone to flake, black chrome reciever finish. By the mid '70's the receivers were plated and then blued, the carriers were machined and the stocks were again walnut. Not as good as a pre 64, but the '70's guns weren't bad and a whole lot better than one from the 64-68 time frame. I have one of '70 manufacture with flaked receiver, stamped lifter, and real plain wood. It has functioned 100% and killed the hell out of deer. Shoots pretty good. But the differences are obvious when compared to pre-64s or later post-64s. Those 3 items, the lifter being the least obvious, were changed and the aesthetics were greatly improved. The lifter is a "function" item, and if you don't try to close the action after cracking it open to check for a loaded chamber, it usually is not a concern. The stamped one couldn't take the pressure exerted on it closing the action after partially opening it.. Was going from memory in my previous post. Went back and looked it up and 1970 was the year Winchester ditched the stamped carriers. I used to have one that was made in 1974 that didn't have the stamped carrier and had a real walnut stock. I currently have one from 1979 that is a pretty decent rifle with a nicely figured walnut stock, blued receiver and machined carrier. It functions and shoots just about as well as my 1949 model.
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I don't think they changed over all at once, but instead used parts up. Hell, I got the flakey receiver, stamped lifter, and plain wood.....but I did get a metal buttplate...
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YES get one!!! They are really fun to shoot. Lever guns are mostly what I want to shoot lately. I just throw a cartridge belt over my shoulder worn bandoleer style. its actually a very effective way to carry lever gun ammo instead of in your pocket. you're not so prone to drop cartridges in the snow or the ground, its east to pluck them out of the loops on the belt and slide them through the loading gate. I have 2 I really like, winchester 94 in 30-30 the other is a marlin 1894 c in 357 mag. had the marlin out last week and it was also a favorite for my kids to shoot.
the 16" 94 AE in 357 sounds interesting, that autta be a very very handy gun to shoulder and shoot.
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I don't think they changed over all at once, but instead used parts up. Hell, I got the flakey receiver, stamped lifter, and plain wood.....but I did get a metal buttplate... I think you're absolutely correct in that they used up parts and didn't change all at once.
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So as mentioned i'll be looking at pre 64 models but what do I look for in a new one? Sorry for dumb questions just want to be educated. Why is a pre 64 up to a 1,000 lets say and a brand new one is 5-600?
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So as mentioned i'll be looking at pre 64 models but what do I look for in a new one? Sorry for dumb questions just want to be educated. Why is a pre 64 up to a 1,000 lets say and a brand new one is 5-600? First of all brand new ones aren't 5-600 and second we've been covering some of the reasons a pre 64 is better for the past several posts. Pay attention.
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So as mentioned i'll be looking at pre 64 models but what do I look for in a new one? Sorry for dumb questions just want to be educated. Why is a pre 64 up to a 1,000 lets say and a brand new one is 5-600? Yup, you won't typically find new ones for 5-600. And pre 64's? They don't make them any more. That's why! And they are far superior to the new stuff. Many factors affect the price of the pre 64's. rifle/carbine/caliber/options/barrel configuration/ magazine length/barrel length/sights/condition/originality/etc/etc........
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thats more of what I was looking for..thanks 06hunter. I was looking at a brand new one and it was a little over 600. That's where I got that #. The seller didn't really have any info for me. Blackheart..get off computer for awhile. Think you need a break after 10k posts.."Pay attention"...lol. Good thing you weren't sitting in front of me with your tough talk. I wanted to know difference between brand new and pre. Conversation turned into pre vs a bad round in the 70s etc. All good info tho.
Thanks all for replies. I will search around for what I want.
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Find a reputable dealer, ask questions, read a few Winchester books and dive in!
They are addicting..........A nice 1894 SRC in original condition with all original parts depending on caliber will set you back a bit for sure. But........There is nothing at all like working the action of one of those fine old workhorses. Or taking one out in the field hunting. The looks you will get at a range is worth the the price of admission!
And will last several more lifetimes with a little care.
Good luck,
Ed
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thats more of what I was looking for..thanks 06hunter. I was looking at a brand new one and it was a little over 600. That's where I got that #. The seller didn't really have any info for me. Blackheart..get off computer for awhile. Think you need a break after 10k posts.."Pay attention"...lol. Good thing you weren't sitting in front of me with your tough talk. I wanted to know difference between brand new and pre. Conversation turned into pre vs a bad round in the 70s etc. All good info tho.
Thanks all for replies. I will search around for what I want. Brand new ones are made in Japan by Miroku and normally sell for North of 1000.00. If you found one for 625 you should have bought it. By the mid 70's they were decent guns as I said before. If I were sitting in front of you I'd have said the same damn thing. I never have been one to candy coat anything for anybody and l don't scare easy..
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Haha...i bet if u saw me you may not say that! 😊.Never shot one..how consistently accurate are they? Gun not shooter!!
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Haha...i bet if u saw me you may not say that! 😊.Never shot one..how consistently accurate are they? Gun not shooter!! My pre 64 would consistently put 3 shots in 1" - 1 1/4" at 100 yards back when my eyes were still young and sharp. Today it's about 2" at 100 for three shots out of my pre 64 and my 1979 model but my eyesight isn't as good as it used to be. Both guns wear receiver sights. Seriously, if you don't mind using iron sights, find a nice pre 64 and buy it. If you want to scope it, find a pre safety angle eject or buy a JM Marlin 336.
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for some reason winchester 94's are rare to find in gun shops around me. even though the freaking gun was invited only an hour drive from me. I think the pricing on '94's is kinda regional. I think they are cheapest in the great lakes area. Most expensive in the west. and inbetween in the east and south. I have seen very nice pre 64's for sale right here on this board's classifieds go for $550-650, IMO what is a nice pre64? late 40's to 1963 models with no extra holes on the left side of the receiver, mild bluing wear on the edges. minor dings on the stock. If there are extra holes on the left side of the receiver try to be $450 or less. of course there are people asking way too much money for these guns. check out armslist. I picked up a 1956 30-30 for $450 shipped, but it has 4 extra holes, they do look professionally done though. The rest of the gun is in good shape. some bluing wear in the usual places, IMO its character wear. nothing abusive etc. If I knew how much I would enjoy the gun, I would probably have been more patient and paid $600 for no holes and a little nicer overall shape. Doing that is probably the best investment idea too.
oh generally serial numbers below 2.7 million are pre 64, whats next for me. I want a pre war cherry gun. probably 1938 to 1941. I don't want the half moon or curve butt plate models.
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You can still find "shooter" pre 64's under 5-700. I agree with Mossyoak1957 in regards to the 32 spcl however my favorite 94 round is by far the 25-35 which can also be had in the newer versions.
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You will likely enjoy a lever rifle. Get an AE(angle eject) if you think you will put a scope on it. They are the only non deluxe rifles I own, but I have four. I got the 44 magnum win 94AE and a Ruger Blackhawk to match. Got two Marlin 30-30s and a Henry 22. You got to own a lever rifle for all the reasons you mentioned and more. They are outright fun and still take deer and hog effectively at short range. Don’t worry about all that pre 64 crap. Sure you can give it it’s due consideration, but I could care less. And you probably will too. Buy new and be happy with your decision and go have fun. IN THE 90’s I bought three of the aforementioned brand new and my second Marlin 30-30 stainless three years ago. I love ever one of them . Don’t expect tight groups at 100. If you get 2” groups be happy. By the way Marlin is doing good things again. With all the tacticool rifles at the range people always ask me what I’m shooting when I have one. There’s tacticool and there’s lever action cool. Besides no one looked more slick than someone donning western garb and their firearms. You will love shooting it. Oh, new ones need a bit of working the lever sometimes before they get smooth. Nothing’s is likely wrong with it if it feels a bit stiff at first.
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So as mentioned i'll be looking at pre 64 models but what do I look for in a new one? Sorry for dumb questions just want to be educated. Why is a pre 64 up to a 1,000 lets say and a brand new one is 5-600? In my looking you have those prices reversed.
Brushbuster: "Is this thread about the dear heard or there Jeans?"
Plugger: "If you cant be safe at strip club in Detroit at 2am is anywhere safe?"
Deer are somewhere all the time
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for some reason winchester 94's are rare to find in gun shops around me. even though the freaking gun was invited only an hour drive from me. I think the pricing on '94's is kinda regional. I think they are cheapest in the great lakes area. Most expensive in the west. and inbetween in the east and south. I have seen very nice pre 64's for sale right here on this board's classifieds go for $550-650, IMO what is a nice pre64? late 40's to 1963 models with no extra holes on the left side of the receiver, mild bluing wear on the edges. minor dings on the stock. If there are extra holes on the left side of the receiver try to be $450 or less. of course there are people asking way too much money for these guns. check out armslist. I picked up a 1956 30-30 for $450 shipped, but it has 4 extra holes, they do look professionally done though. The rest of the gun is in good shape. some bluing wear in the usual places, IMO its character wear. nothing abusive etc. If I knew how much I would enjoy the gun, I would probably have been more patient and paid $600 for no holes and a little nicer overall shape. Doing that is probably the best investment idea too.
oh generally serial numbers below 2.7 million are pre 64, whats next for me. I want a pre war cherry gun. probably 1938 to 1941. I don't want the half moon or curve butt plate models. A year ago I tried to sell a very good 1956 .30-30 94 in the U. P. of Michigan for $600 on consignment. I had one offer of $450, and took it back after 6 months. I still have it.
Brushbuster: "Is this thread about the dear heard or there Jeans?"
Plugger: "If you cant be safe at strip club in Detroit at 2am is anywhere safe?"
Deer are somewhere all the time
To report a post you disagree with, please push Alt + F4. Thank You.
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please try an older Marlin (50s-60s) before you buy a Winchester
JMO but to me they are much smoother and can be scoped if you desire.
lot of Savage 99 fans out there, but I never acquired the habit
better idea, get one of each just to fully scratch the lever action itch, lol
I am saving up for a Taylor's Chiappa in .357 or .44 mag as a fun-gun
Last edited by kid0917; 04/24/20. Reason: better idea
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Campfire Kahuna
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I like all of them but probably my favorite to shoot is a mid 80’s AE model Trapper in 30-30 and 44 mag.
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You’ve never really discussed what chamber you are interested in. Pre 64s are going to be predominately 30-30 WCF. The 1980s opened up to AE in 7-30 Waters (rare and expensive and hard to get your hands on), then there are other less rare but expensive 307 WCF, 356 WCF, 375 WCF and 444 Marlin. Today you can choose between only 30-30 WCF, 38-55 Win and 450 Marlin. At least that is my recollection. For a revolver cartridge I would opt for a 92.
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