I found a nice model 94 in .30/30 for sale today. The metal, bluing, and crown look very clean, although the stock is scratched in several places. The crown is nice, and the loading gate is so clean it's hard to imagine it's been loaded and shot much. I'm not sure how the stock got scratched up but everything else is clean. I'd like a pre 64 but this one is tugging on me. Quality-wise how do the 1971's stack up? Price is $425 firm. I just don't know but am tempted to leave it. Any advice?
1971 Win 94.. hmmm?
- Thread starter MJFlores
- Start date
The difference between a pre and post 94 was not as great as with the model 70.
The 1970s guns do get a bad rap, but I've found that it depends on the guns some are fine others have problems. You need to thoroughly check them out.
But that's true of any gun.
There are plenty of 94s going for $400 and up so I wouldn't write this one off.
The 1970s guns do get a bad rap, but I've found that it depends on the guns some are fine others have problems. You need to thoroughly check them out.
But that's true of any gun.
There are plenty of 94s going for $400 and up so I wouldn't write this one off.
The design changes on 94's after 1963 aren't as dramatic as with the model 70's. But the mid 60's through the 1970's were not the best years for any Winchester. Actually anything made after WW-2 is lower in quality than the pre war years. They were bought out by United States Repeating Arms in the late 1970's and the 1980's and 90's guns tend to be very well made. In the last few years 2000-2006 quality again started to slip.
I'd prefer one made in the 1980-1990's, but most of the 1970's guns are still pretty good. It is just that you are more likely to get a lemon during those years.
I'd prefer one made in the 1980-1990's, but most of the 1970's guns are still pretty good. It is just that you are more likely to get a lemon during those years.
Sure Shot Mc Gee
New member
Although american made winchesters have collectors value. Buying a 70s 94 marked up on price to 400 leaves you little room to think you got a good deal. I myself would never pay that amount of money for a seventy's 94. But that's just me since I already own more than my share of pre models. So here's my advice: Allowing Procrastination to take root. The rifle will assuredly go out the door and down the road under a arm. Will it be under your arm or some others?
Yeah...thanks for your opinions everyone. I'm going to pass. If it had a nicer stock I'd probably make a move but not at the firm price stated. The metal, blueing, etc is extremely clean...and the loading gate completely unscratched but the stock appears to have been badly scratched somehow. If it were a pre 64 I'd already have driven there this am and snatched it up. I bet another one will come along. It's not like I "need" the rifle, it's just more of a want.
MJ,
these old lever guns are a bargain at today`s prices... between $400 and $500 bucks... the new `94s are made in JAPAN....they run around $1100 to $1200, by the time they get here...I can`t see why anyone would want to own a Winchester model `94 that says JAPAN.... when they can have one that`s MADE In AMERICA for half the price...Just my .02 cents worth.
these old lever guns are a bargain at today`s prices... between $400 and $500 bucks... the new `94s are made in JAPAN....they run around $1100 to $1200, by the time they get here...I can`t see why anyone would want to own a Winchester model `94 that says JAPAN.... when they can have one that`s MADE In AMERICA for half the price...Just my .02 cents worth.
I think it also depends on what you are buying it for. I bought one made in 1974 recently for $475 with better condition stock but not as nice bluing. But I was buying it strictly for hunting. So I don't care if it is not in perfect shape as long as it functions well and hits where I aim it. (Which this one does)
Jack O'Conner
New member
Because of my middle aged vision, I need to have a scope mounted on every rifle. The 94 went through a change about 35 years ago which resulted in the famous angle-eject design. These are well made carbines with better metallurgy and finish. I suggest that you seek an angle-eject model instead of the 1971 carbine.
Jack
Jack
Still have my first center fire rifle: Model 94 Winchester 30-30. I would put year of manufacture around 1967. The rifle has what I believe to be a birch stock (I had it professionally refinished in the mid 80's) with a very attractive Tru-oil gloss finish. Barrel bluing and metal work under the bluing is decent, and probably better than most sub-$750 rifles you would purchase today. My quibble would be the receiver, made from an unknown material (to me), with a shiny black/blue finish (not quite a painted finish, but not blued either).
Action is very smooth (always has been) and I would not sell the gun for any price.
Action is very smooth (always has been) and I would not sell the gun for any price.
I'd take her just as she is over a NIB AE any day.MJ, you should think a bit about your purpose with the rifle. for me, it is kind of like buying an old truck. It the guts are good, it rides well, and the most important parts are in great condition, it will be a great purchase for someone seeking the utilitarian perspective on the truck. Rifles are the same way.
I have a BLR .358 with a bit of rust and the stock has some oddities cosmetically. But the bore is solid and the receiver is the pre-81. Trigger is nice and it should great within 200 yards. It is a nice gun. I could get 30 years more work out of her and she would still have value. I got it for a great price.
I also have a later model pre-64 Winchester 94. It is a show piece--great condition-- though not a major asset with high expected returns. I will use it once in a while and do a little hunting and pass it down to my boy. As a semi-collectible with its near perfect blue, commands the premium.
So my advice: Make sure you know whether you will be an investor, heavy user or some hybrid.If used, are you going to put it on display or use it and if you use it will you do so with kidd gloves or to your heart's content? Three of my rifles are meant to get beat; two others are for the kids, and two others to be preserved as best as possible to pass down.
Great rifle!
I have a BLR .358 with a bit of rust and the stock has some oddities cosmetically. But the bore is solid and the receiver is the pre-81. Trigger is nice and it should great within 200 yards. It is a nice gun. I could get 30 years more work out of her and she would still have value. I got it for a great price.
I also have a later model pre-64 Winchester 94. It is a show piece--great condition-- though not a major asset with high expected returns. I will use it once in a while and do a little hunting and pass it down to my boy. As a semi-collectible with its near perfect blue, commands the premium.
So my advice: Make sure you know whether you will be an investor, heavy user or some hybrid.If used, are you going to put it on display or use it and if you use it will you do so with kidd gloves or to your heart's content? Three of my rifles are meant to get beat; two others are for the kids, and two others to be preserved as best as possible to pass down.
Great rifle!