Winchester Lever Actions

K

kst8fan

New member
I have been in the market for a new lever action for quite some time now but Im having trouble locating one. I really would like to find a Marlin 1894c in 357 (pre-safety-80's model) but they are extremely hard to find. So Im wondering about the Winchester lever actions made in Japan. Are they made of high quality? I like the model 92 trapper takedown, but these rifles are carrying a high price tag. Anyone own/shot these rifles from Japan? Needing info. Thanks
 
I got a Winchester 1894 from gunbroker.com just a couple of weeks ago. I think I got a great deal even after shipping and ffl fees. So check out some used rifles and I'm sure you can find what you're looking for at a good price.
 
Once you have the money set aside how much you want to spend and just watch gun broker and guns america. IF you are patient and realistic you will likely find what you want.
 
If I were in the market for a Model 92 today, I'd call Steve's Gunz and see what he had in stock or what he could get his hands on. It might be worth the phone call.

But, yes, to answer your question, the Miroku 92s are supposed to be very nice indeed.
 
Why can't you find the Marlin? True they aren't flooding the market, but they're not really rare. I've had two since the 80s, the first one I gave to my Father in law for Christmas one year, back in the 80s.

I finally got around to replacing that one a few years ago. Ran across one at a gun show, used, but looking new. $300 out the door, and I've still got it.:D

Put aside the money (I know its more today than it was then) and just keep your eyes open. And be patient.

I can almost guarantee that if you buy something else, that Marlin will walk in front of you in short order!:eek:

Can't speak to the Winchesters made in Japan, I've never had one, or an original 92, either. All I can say is that I don't remember hearing anything bad about them.

I would get one that says Winchester (no matter where made) before I would get a 92 clone made in South America, unless time and cost were more important.
 
I've worked with three of the Miroku Winchesters. All were better made than anything Winchester built in New Haven in many many years.
Aside from the rebounding hammer & tang safety, better than any Rossi.
Denis
 
I'll keep my eyes open for a Marlin. Seems like every time I find one on the Internet they are already sold by the time I call the person selling them. I guess I need to go to a gun show and get serious about it. As for the Winchesters, the price tags are just a bit high for me. The quality looks to be outstanding, but 1200.00 is just too much for me.
 
Why can't you find the Marlin? True they aren't flooding the market, but they're not really rare.
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Marlins in 30-30 are everywhere. 1894's in 44 mag are a little harder to find, but are out there. Finding one in 357 is even harder, can't remember the last one I saw and I get to several gun shows a year.

Finding a pre-safety 1894 in 357. I've NEVER seen one. Not even sure if they exist. Did Marlin even offer the 1894 in 357 pre-safety? The only ones I've seen in 357 had a safety.
 
The new "Winchester 94s" are way too expensive for what they are. I can't imagine anyone paying over $1,000 for one when there are much better choices available for effective hunting rifles, both new and used. (In my opinion of course.)
 
Finding a pre-safety 1894 in 357. I've NEVER seen one. Not even sure if they exist. Did Marlin even offer the 1894 in 357 pre-safety? The only ones I've seen in 357 had a safety.
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Hell yes, they exist. I have one. And its the second one I've owned!

The reason you have never seen one is probably because the people that own them love the little guns and don't sell them often.

What the big deal with the later guns with safety buttons, anyway? You don't have to use them, they still have the original half cock safety system they always had. I had one of the 1895s (.45-70) that had the safety button for a couple decades before finally trading it (excess to needs). The button never bothered me, I just ignored it.

And, I understand that you can get a "plug" to replace the safety button, if you want.
 
I expect it may differ in different parts of the country but, generally, used Winchesters are available at good prices. I bought this Winchester 94 in 30-30 several years ago - used but in good condition - $350.00 - (it being a Commemorative was incidental) -

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It's the 20" barreled one. The other I bought in 1968 new for $99.00 - but the dealer was a close friend and had evidently sold the 20" barreled one for the profit he wanted - and that buyer didn't want a 26" barrel -

BUFFALOBILL94A.jpg


I got this Miroku Winchester 95 in 30-06 "NIB, unfired, with manual" from my wife for our 25th anniversary seven years ago - found it on line and got it for $15.00 less than the listed price in 1995 - when it was produced. My theory is it was in the estate of a collector and those inheriting just wanted a quick sale -

AWINCHESTER95-1.jpg


IMG_1494_edited-1.jpg


I shoots under one MOA at 100 yards if I do my part.

For any questioning this - OK, I did "help" her find it - I feel husbands should help their wives any way they can. ;)

WINCHESTER95.jpg


If it has a limitation, it's that my shooting gets interrupted frequently when other shooters want to see and admire it - I can stand that -
 
think about it

Just me now.......

but something about the phrase "Winchesters made in Japan" just doesn't ring true. Yeah, I have a bunch of stuff made in Japan. Cars, optics, TV, etc. And some pretty decent firearms have come out of Japan,.... Weatherby's, I think some Brownings, others too.

For me though, the Wincherster is so iconic that one made elsewhere (including the Italian ones) isn't the same.

I can tell you that an early safety less Marlin, espcially .357, is a dandy little carbine, and an older one, in fair shape, likely won't have the quality control issues some recent reports indicate.
 
I agree the pre safety Marlins are hard to find but they are out there. When you get right down to it, it doesn't have to be a pre safety, I just want a true Marlin, Made in the New Haven plant. Im open to 90's models as well.
 
Jack, tell us a little more about the sling on that baby. Looks like a piece of rope or a leather cord maybe.
 
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