Home Forums Lever Action Central Lever Actions - General model 94 question

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

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.

My favorite 94 is a pre-64 in .32 Spl. with the longer forearm.

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.

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!

Thx for info. I'll investigate the pre 64s. Out of curiosity
...how are the new ones?

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.

One can buy a pre64 M94 for less $’s than the new production M94’s.

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..

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

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.

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...

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.

I think you're absolutely correct in that they used up parts and didn't change all at once.

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.

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........

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.

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