Hello all, I asked this question in the end of my thread over on the Hunting rifle forum, but figured this would be an even more appropriate place for it:

Do we have a resident expert on the '94 that I could PM regarding a rifle I'm looking at? I've never been a buyer of used guns (aside from military surplus), but I found a gun that has caught my interest. I'd love to chat with someone via PM and see if they could check it out for me and offer an opinion.

Why don't you just post your ?? on this forum? You'll probably get several "expert" opinions.

Here's a link to the rifle I was talking about.

I've contacted the seller, and it is his belief that at least the barrel has been reblued. He informed me of that when I told him it seemed in remarkably good condition for a pre-war rifle (MFR 1941). I'd love to hear opinions on it:

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/855076262

Nice looking rifle. From the auction pictures, I don't see evidence of the barrel being polished for reblue. The stampings are still sharp and retain their raised edges.The front sight hood appears to be a replacement though. Not a dealbreaker. But if it has been reblued, as he believes, he is asking too much for it.

Another high condition pre-64 '94 you might like is this one:
https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...4-pre-64-30-30-win-.cfm?gun_id=101379753

Thanks Tmitch. There's a lot I need to learn. I don't know what to look for as far as bluing is concerned. Had I just gone with my gut, I'd have guessed the one in the listing you mentioned for sure had been refinished, but they list it as "original bluing".

Thanks again for all the assistance, folks! I'm excited to say, I have my first lever action on it's way to my local gun store. I appreciate all the comments and suggestions, which made me less reluctant to buy used, instead of new.

Here's a link to the one I bought. The seller was Cabelas, through Gunsinternational, and Mary, at Cabelas, was outstanding to deal with.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...4-pre-64-30-30-win-.cfm?gun_id=101379753

That's a beauty. You did good. Congrats on a fine rifle.

Thanks! I appreciate it.

Nice looking rifle, hope you enjoy it!

Well done.

Thanks Mitch and Poconojack, I owe both of you guys! I'm super excited to get it. I continue to be impressed with the folks on this forum.

Wow, I have a 1940 in 32 Special that's all original. I didn't realize they have gone up that much. I should get it out of the back of the safe someday and shoot it once.

The heads of the screws look a little rounded, but the tell is there are no marks on the loading gate.Still a nice rifle though.Enjoy