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Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: Timothy on August 08, 2017, 06:15:05 PM

Title: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Timothy on August 08, 2017, 06:15:05 PM
This isn't a tactical question.

I was in a local gun shop and found a 1955 Winchester model 94 in 30.30 for 450 bucks that was in great shape visually.

I'm comfy with a lever action rifle, however I wouldn't know the first thing to determine if the firearm is safe or mechanically sound.

Any help in evaluating the function and mechanicals would be appreciated!

I've been looking for a lever carbine in .357  for some time but 30.30 is readily available and something that I could use for more than one purpose.

Thanks...
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Rastus on August 08, 2017, 06:49:31 PM
Mechanically the 94's are a bit loose until lock up.  Once the round is chambered and the bolt is closed the bolt should be rock solid immovable.  There should not be any loose play in the lever either...it may wiggle/move a bit side to side...but oughta' be solid...if that makes any sense to you.

Lacking actual 94 experience you need to chamber some rounds in it to see if there is anything that may be seriously wrong.  Make sure the hammer does not unexpectedly fall when it's not supposed to...like at the end of the stroke when everything is supposed to be locked up ready to rock and roll. 

Sounds like a fair price is the bore is good.  I'd try to talk them down to $400 or $450 including tax. 

This is not advice just my own observations when I look at one.  I bet some of the Cowboy action guys like Majer could be a big help on this.



Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Timothy on August 08, 2017, 06:55:22 PM
Have not even racked the action yet, Rastus!

All great comments, much appreciated.
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: les snyder on August 08, 2017, 09:33:14 PM
FWIW.... I had a Win 94 trapper in 30/30 and it kicked the snot out of me...if you are not going to hunt with it, I would look for a .357 or .44 mag...
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Rastus on August 08, 2017, 09:38:10 PM
30-30...kicked?  Les...you've been fondling those poodle shooters too long....  ;)
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Big Frank on August 08, 2017, 11:06:37 PM
I have 94AE .44 Magnum Trapper and the recoil was too much for my arthritic shoulder so I had a Pachmayr recoil pad installed. I can't remember if I've shot it since.
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: les snyder on August 09, 2017, 08:00:08 AM
Rastus.. you are probably correct... I used to shoot 7TCU, 44 mag, hot 357, and 30/30 handloads in a pistol... over the years have owned two M1As, an L1A1, an AR10, a .44mag Ruger carbine and nothing smacked me as hard as the 94.... it's nothing bigger than a 5.56 and more likely a 156 power factor 9mm carbine from now on  ;D...
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Rastus on August 09, 2017, 08:47:35 AM
I will say that a 450 Marlin in lever action really does kick and is no fun to shoot after the 3rd or 4th shot (and yes I should have gotten a 45/70 and bought full power ammo but, duh, I did not). 

Timothy....what cha' gonna do?
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Timothy on August 09, 2017, 09:02:56 AM
Gonna think about it...  I really want a lever in .357 to compliment my wheel gun.  Probably gonna keep saving for the Rossi or Uberti.
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Majer on August 09, 2017, 10:30:28 AM
A pre 64 Winchester 94 for $450.00 in good shape, BUY IT, that's about 1/2 to a 1/3 of what they are going for. If you reload you can load up some soft plinking loads for it, Plus you might find someone who will trade you a pistol caliber lever gun plus some boot for it,in the meantime, enjoy it. Stay away from the pistol caliber 94's, they don't do well with the shorter rounds. A Rossi 92 is a good strong action that with a little work are great shooters. Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with.
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Timothy on August 09, 2017, 11:20:58 AM
Thanks, Majer!
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Big Frank on August 09, 2017, 03:44:36 PM
I had one serious problem with my .44 Trapper. Some Corbon ammo I bought was too long for it and jammed it up pretty bad. The OAL was longer than standard. After that they told me that all their newer .44 loads were within SAAMI specs. It was a heavy hard cast bullet. I think it was 320 grains.
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Rastus on August 12, 2017, 07:46:12 AM
Well Timothy....make a decision yet? 
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Timothy on August 12, 2017, 07:49:39 AM
Haven't been back in that part of the state yet.  We're getting a pup this month, might change my plans.  If I could unload it quickly, the lovey dovey might just go for it...
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: crusader rabbit on August 12, 2017, 08:35:59 AM
Gonna think about it...  I really want a lever in .357 to compliment my wheel gun.  Probably gonna keep saving for the Rossi or Uberti.

FWIW I own a .357 Rossi lever in stainless.  I got it to compliment my .357 Rossi revolver.  I am totally thrilled with both guns.  The .357 wheel gun is possibly the most accurate shooting gun I have ever had, and the lever is just a delight to shoot, too.  When it's just for fun, I bang out .38 Specials in both of them.  Less expensive, but with all the thrill.  I just checked Bud's Guns but they are out of stock on all their Rossi levers.  Probably says something about popularity.

I was so pleased with the Rossi .357 that I wanted to use it as a carry gun.  Just a little big for that task.  So I got a Windicator .357 snubbie from EAA.  Nifty little wheel gun.  Heavily made, but that makes it more fun to shoot with less recoil.  You might want to check it out.  It's now my daily carry.   Bud's has it for less than $300 including shipping.

Crusader Rabbit
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Timothy on August 12, 2017, 09:24:38 AM
Thanks CR, however mail order in the People's Republic is taboo.  I'd have to check with the FFL to see if EAA is on the "list"!  My Ruger is a tank but she'll do for now.  I'm thinking waiting on the Rossi is probably my best option.
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Rastus on August 12, 2017, 12:14:45 PM
Mail order is taboo?  Interstate commerce....sue the state.
Title: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Timothy on August 12, 2017, 02:57:15 PM
Mail order is taboo?  Interstate commerce....sue the state.

I believe it's been tried by our local GOAL!

Anyway, when I tried to join a gun retailer some years back they said they would not ship to MA, regardless.  I think it was Buds.
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Rastus on November 26, 2017, 10:16:35 AM
Timothy, I've got a bone to pick with you.  This thread gave me 94 fever.

So...I'm trying to find one made the same year I was born....

Thanks a lot buddy.   ;)
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Timothy on November 26, 2017, 10:23:44 AM
My pleasure!

Still shopping myself.  Passed on that .30-30. 

Kinda wished I hadn’t cuz I could have made some quick profit..
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Big Frank on November 26, 2017, 12:51:55 PM
Getting a gun made in the year you were born would be cool, but my M94 was made in 1994 with 1894-1994 stamped on the receiver like this one. https://www.gunvaluesboard.com/winchester-model-94-carbine-centennial-1894-1994th-13661726.html

How about a new Henry rifle or carbine? If you don't like the brass receiver they have a silver colored aluminum-bronze alloy, steel, or hard chromed steel. The steel version is 1.68 lbs. less than the original brass. The pistol calibers include the 3 usual ones plus .327 Federal Magnum and .41 Magnum. https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/henry-big-boy-steel/
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Rastus on November 26, 2017, 03:20:22 PM
Glad to see they are making steel receivers now.  A friend of mine destroyed a brass receiver on his 4-wheeler some how....
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Timothy on November 26, 2017, 04:25:45 PM
Yea, I keep forgetting about Henry!

Made here and on occasion, for a reasonable price.
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: jaybet on November 28, 2017, 07:54:20 AM
I have a blued Rossi in .357 that I love. I've done some action work on it and it's a really nice shooter now. I do gallery matches and took 3rd place against guys shooting old single shot long barrel stuff. (AND I'm not a very good shot).  A Rossi will clean up real nice for you.
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: crusader rabbit on November 28, 2017, 11:32:42 AM
I have a blued Rossi in .357 that I love. I've done some action work on it and it's a really nice shooter now. I do gallery matches and took 3rd place against guys shooting old single shot long barrel stuff. (AND I'm not a very good shot).  A Rossi will clean up real nice for you.

Jay, I've got the same gun in stainless and I love the way it shoots.  Made a couple of mods like a ghost ring sight to accommodate old eyes and an aluminum follower to replace the plastic one.  Deepwater turned one on a metal lathe and was nice enough to give it to me.  There are a couple of places online where you can get one ready made.  I just didn't think the stock plastic would hold up over time.  Other than those two little mods, I think it's a great gun for the money.  And .38 Special saves some dough at the range.

FWIW,

Crusader Rabbit
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: jaybet on November 29, 2017, 07:12:33 AM
Crusader,
If I had the dough for duplicates, I'd get the thing in stainless too because it's a load of fun to shoot.I bought a video from Steve's Gunz, broke it down, and trimmed up the action and trigger. Also bought a stainless follower from him. It's a fine shooter at this point.
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Rastus on November 30, 2017, 05:51:58 AM
Stop it.  You guys are going to make me buy a gun.  Dagnabit.... if you don't stop you'll be causing me to drain my retirement.
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: jaybet on November 30, 2017, 06:22:28 AM
Stop it.  You guys are going to make me buy a gun.  Dagnabit.... if you don't stop you'll be causing me to drain my retirement.
BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT!
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: crusader rabbit on November 30, 2017, 11:38:27 AM
Stop it.  You guys are going to make me buy a gun.  Dagnabit.... if you don't stop you'll be causing me to drain my retirement.

What are you going to do with all that money when the bottom falls out of the economy?  Might as well have a .357 lever. Right?

Crusader Rabbit
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Rastus on November 30, 2017, 07:08:14 PM
OK.  I'll bid it...allright.  Sheesh...give a guy a break.   :o

The things I do for you guys.......   8)
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: crusader rabbit on November 30, 2017, 09:12:16 PM
OK.  I'll bid it...allright.  Sheesh...give a guy a break.   :o

The things I do for you guys.......   8)

It's the right thing to do, brother.  Would Jay or the Rabbit lead you astray? 

Damn right we would, but we'll have fun.

CR
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Rastus on December 01, 2017, 06:28:11 AM
Alright...alright.  Gee whiz, give a break now c'mon. 

You guys can pester the warts off a frog.

You guys can watch along since you are so interested in telling me what to do...one is item 717739557 and the other is item 719731330...just search on those numbers.  I'm also cruising on item 721460545.  The 39A I may be willing to bid up but I'm not so certain about the Model 94....I'm behind right now but I'm interested in it.  That 3rd item, a Colt Scout Buntline is bid as high as I'm a gonna go. 

This is the 410: http://www.gunbroker.com/item/718982925
 (http://www.gunbroker.com/item/718982925) since I don't have it yet and I'll be to lazy to take pictures.
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: jaybet on December 01, 2017, 10:58:01 AM
If you get the 94 and have any questions I've been into mine to the springs, nuts, and bolts 3 times now.
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Rastus on December 02, 2017, 07:04:59 AM
Sombody bid me up to my limit on that 39A.  Methinks I may be done.  The 1894 is about $10 bucks from my limit.  The $600 average ones look to be in better condition than this one.
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Rastus on December 04, 2017, 06:08:59 AM
$617.53 was my limit and someone wanted to spend $5 more to get it.  That was as far as I'd push sight unseen.

The Remington 1100 in 410 however, it is a real gem.  My FFL is a Ruger guy and he wants me to leave it with him....
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: jaybet on December 05, 2017, 07:11:27 AM
If they're going after $600 for the Rossi guns you should just look new. That's high.
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Timothy on December 05, 2017, 10:25:41 AM
If they're going after $600 for the Rossi guns you should just look new. That's high.

That’s my thought from my research.
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Rastus on December 21, 2017, 09:12:34 AM
That 1100 in 410 is EXCELLENT.  I cut a fat hog in the ass on that one.  Not a blemish..at least nothing I can see.  Really nice.  I feel sorry for whoever sold it to the shop I bought it from.

The Model 94 with laminate stock I got for $240+ shipping.....super.  Not the 1956 model I was looking for but at that price I'll use it to trade up at a gun show.

Picked up a 39A for $415 in excellent condition with a really good scope.  I think I can trade up on that but it's too nice and the action to tight to let go of it.

Now the 742 in 30-06....delivered for $290 with a great scope.  742's are the best buy on Gunbroker these days.  Really nice.

All of the rifles have clean sharp bores and have less issues with the finish than I'll put on them the first time out.  I still need to get that 1956 manufacture Model 94 though.....
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: blackwolfe on December 30, 2017, 09:10:52 AM
That 1100 in 410 is EXCELLENT.  I cut a fat hog in the ass on that one.  Not a blemish..at least nothing I can see.  Really nice.  I feel sorry for whoever sold it to the shop I bought it from.

The Model 94 with laminate stock I got for $240+ shipping.....super.  Not the 1956 model I was looking for but at that price I'll use it to trade up at a gun show.

Picked up a 39A for $415 in excellent condition with a really good scope.  I think I can trade up on that but it's too nice and the action to tight to let go of it.

Now the 742 in 30-06....delivered for $290 with a great scope.  742's are the best buy on Gunbroker these days.  Really nice.

All of the rifles have clean sharp bores and have less issues with the finish than I'll put on them the first time out.  I still need to get that 1956 manufacture Model 94 though.....

Sounds like you got some gems there without the price of gems.  Don't rule out the Marlin 336, especially if you can find the older ones at a good price.  I have an affinity for the straight stocked "Texan" models.
Title: Re: '94 Lever Action
Post by: Rastus on December 30, 2017, 03:43:54 PM
Sounds like you got some gems there without the price of gems.  Don't rule out the Marlin 336, especially if you can find the older ones at a good price.  I have an affinity for the straight stocked "Texan" models.

A 336 was the first centerfire rifle I purchased.  They are stronger than the Winchesters...and mine is a shooter.  But...I need an old historical '94 so I'm going to buy in and trade up...or so I think.