Winchester 94 30-30's

W

warbirdlover

New member
I had a thought that maybe I could pick up a used one cheap just to have and went in GunBroker to check. Holy smokes! The prices they are getting for some less then nice condition 94's is mind boggling! And if you want a pre-64 version. Hang on to your hats! It must be the nostalgia thing since there are much better 30-30's out there.

And I don't see a regular 94 for sale at Cabela's or Gander. Did they discontinue making these? Too bad if so. They are a classic. Lot's of competition also now.
 
Winchester or US repeating firearms 94's are premium

Best to try local shops for reasonable priced ones.

The FN Winchester dropped the 94 but MIGHT bring it back. Just wait for news.
 
They're around, keep your eyes ppen. Best buys are approximately ca 1978-81 (just prior to USRAC) when they'd begun to make more improvements on the earlier fugly Post 64s, at least approaching the good ol' days for most functional--and some cosmetic--purposes. Occasionally you'll find someone who's unwittingly lumped the pricing of these together with the lesser Post 64s, but they're nicer guns for the most part.
 
I agree with gak-just don't buy any made from 1964 to around 1978, unless you don't mind a cheaper made and cheaply looking Model 94. Actually, I think the USRAC Model 94s are nice enough carbines and I would consider getting one of them (though some folks just can't abide external safeties on the Model 94).
I do believe every serious rifle looney who appreciates true American firearm icons should have at least one Winchester Model 94 carbine (no matter which year it was made) in his inventory. :cool:
 
I do believe every serious rifle looney who appreciates true American firearm icons should have at least one Winchester Model 94 carbine (no matter which year it was made) in his inventory.
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That's kind of where I'm at. And I watched one of the only TV hunters I feel is legitimate, Bob Foulkrod, take one up to the Leaf River area of Canada and shoot a Caribou with it. That was COOL. With the open sights.
 
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I have one and I like it but I don't shoot it very much.
When I go hunting I like the Marlin 336 or 1895 better as I shoot it more accurately and they are easier to mount a scope on it. I like carrying the Winchester as it is lighter and flatter so I carry it when I'm taking someone hunting and I don't expect to shoot.
 
I have seen them in my local Cabella's running between about $300 and $700 used (depending on year, condition...). Most of them have been the '90s versions with the cross bolt safety, but a couple have been older. Never seen a pre '64, though - not sure what the price would be on that.
 
I recently saw a large number of older ones in less than stellar condition running in the $300-500 range at a regional gun shop.
I have a 90s crossbolt model. I don't care for it (or any lever actions) much. But I got it as gift from some very good friends, so it will likely stay with me as I try to find a decent load for it.

If you think Win 94s are pricier than they used to be, try pricing an SKS.
 
Keep looking, I buy a few each year, all pre 64's for under $400. These are all original in excellent condition. As for better 30-30's "out there" I have yet to find a better "built". The Marlin has some advantages in design but not in quality. I study firearms and their design and own a number of both models so I dont have any particular axe to grind one way or the other.
 
I must say, there is something inherently cool about lever actions. I guess it goes back to childhood cowboy fantasies... I always wanted to be John Wayne...
 
I killed my first Deer with a Winchester 94, Great little rifle, They even sound good when they fire. I have one in my Gun Cabnet. :)
 
I agree that it is one of the "must have(s)" for any american collection. Got mine when I was 10 from grand-dad who had kept it new and unfired since it was made in 1932 [eastern carbine]. that gift was 50 years ago and I have to admit that the gun has been fired alot since then and put a fair amount of venison on the table.

Mike J
 
I see reference being made as the the post 63/pre78 models as being ugly and or poorly made. Could you elaborate?

I have a 72 vintage that I have had for a while and it appears to look pretty much like any other 94 that I have handled. All the parts are made of steel, and the fit and finish look good to me. It shoots as well as any other I have shot, so what is supposed to be so bad about them?

I understand that the early post 63 models had some issues with stamped parts in place of the milled pieces that were on earlier guns, but I see no stamped parts on this rifle at all. The cartridge lifter looks like it is a casting, but it can't be seen with the action closed and hasn't failed in the last 40 years. Is problem that there is some cast parts in them? If so, I would assume that they were still using cast parts after 1978 as there would be no reason to go back to milling small parts if they were working properly.

Quite honestly I wonder if the prejudice against them is some kind of self perpetuating internet myth that people won't let go of.

PS the serial # is 3702576
 
The post '64 94 thing is really all about Winchester needing to reduce the hand labor fitting parts made with tolerances so poor that some simply would not fit. They redesigned the troublesome ones, eliminated a lot of gunsmith level hand stoning and filing, and regained profitability.

For their efforts to stay in business, some old dinosaurs complained they couldn't get the guns they used to, and wouldn't pay for customs anyway. Now the handfitted loss leaders are overpriced and underused, but you can find an older post 64 - like my Saddle Ring Carbine - but it won't be $175 anymore. Those days are gone, a new 94 will come from Japan for $2,300.

Shop around local, likely the further from a metro and the internet, the better prices can be found.
 
I agree local shops are best bet - I picked up this Canadian Centennial saddle ring carbine (20" octagonal barrel) at a local shop for $350 two years ago. Used but well cared for and very good condition - sweet shooter - I shoot at least a box of ammo through it once per month or so.

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It's the short one -

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Check your local pawn shop. I could buy 3 or 4 of them for $300-350 out the door right now. If I didn't already have one, I would.
 
My dad has a 1956 .30-30 that's never had a round chambered, in the original leather gun case, and he still even has the two boxes of cartridges he purchased with it. Got it from Sears.

I've been pestering him to give it to me for the last 10 years.
 
I hope the New Jap lever guns dont sell, anyhow there are eneough used model 94s in circulation, and Mossberg is making a similar rifle, so there is no need to buy a Jap gun.
 
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