Author Topic: '94 Lever Action  (Read 8823 times)

Timothy

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'94 Lever Action
« 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...

Rastus

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Re: '94 Lever Action
« Reply #1 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.



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Timothy

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Re: '94 Lever Action
« Reply #2 on: August 08, 2017, 06:55:22 PM »
Have not even racked the action yet, Rastus!

All great comments, much appreciated.

les snyder

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Re: '94 Lever Action
« Reply #3 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...

Rastus

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Re: '94 Lever Action
« Reply #4 on: August 08, 2017, 09:38:10 PM »
30-30...kicked?  Les...you've been fondling those poodle shooters too long....  ;)
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Re: '94 Lever Action
« Reply #5 on: Today at 05:29:25 AM »

Big Frank

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Re: '94 Lever Action
« Reply #5 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.
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les snyder

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Re: '94 Lever Action
« Reply #6 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...

Rastus

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Re: '94 Lever Action
« Reply #7 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?
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Timothy

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Re: '94 Lever Action
« Reply #8 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.

Majer

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Re: '94 Lever Action
« Reply #9 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.
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