The best of the Winchester model 94's.

getitdone1 · Post by **getitdone1** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 3:46 pm

Bought a used Winchester model 94 couple of days ago, should have it in few days. Made in 1950, long fore stock, shotgun butt. Bought it from a Cabela's store in Owatonna, Minnesota. Bet that gun has seen some good hunts in that area.

I don't think it's the best of the model 94's and just wondering which years are thought to be best and how mine compares.

Just about bought a "flat band" made a few years earlier.

Don McCullough

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 3:52 pm

I think the "rifles" of the early to mid 1920s were the epitome of Winchester 1894 production. I have two. Both are bone stock, barrel sights and have fair to little blue left. I paid $200 for one and $250 for another. One I bought in PA, the other in IA at a swap meet. I have shot both, and they are VERY smooth and accurate. I don't shoot them anymore, as they are really an investment. As far as carbines, I like the post 64s from the late 70s best. I'm sure that puts me in the minority, but... I don't like the saddle rings, and have yet to find anything I can call "WRONG" with either of my examples.

Post by **Old Savage** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 3:53 pm

1989-90

dgr416 · Post by **dgr416** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 4:33 pm

I like my 375 Big bore 94 xtr rifles best of any model 94s I have ever had.The worst 94 was a tie between the 1973 30-30 my dad gave me that lost all the bluing to the reciever and the last 94s made I bought in 25-35 winchester.I could almost pull the stocks off of those.The wood fit was horrible and It does not even look like a model 94 with the safety and side ejection together.

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 4:36 pm

getitdone1 wrote:Bought a used Winchester model 94 couple of days ago, should have it in few days. Made in 1950, long fore stock, shotgun butt. Bought it from a Cabela's store in Owatonna, Minnesota. Bet that gun has seen some good hunts in that area.

I don't think it's the best of the model 94's and just wondering which years are thought to be best and how mine compares.

Just about bought a "flat band" made a few years earlier.

Don McCullough

Don,
I picked up a 1950 vintage Win 94 here in IL about 3 years ago that was probably unfired. Handling marks was about it.
I've fired less than a 100 rounds through it. So it doesn't have any stories to tell yet.
I think you'll like yours. The only thing I wish is that Win had D&T'd it for a receiver sight.

Joe

3855 · Post by **3855** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 4:50 pm

In my opinion, those pieces made from the beginning of production to 1940 are the most desirable from a workmanship standpoint. Quality started to slip post WWII and bottomed out in 1965. As for anything made since then, I challenge anyone to compare, side by side, a prewar gun and a anything made since 1965. There really is no comparison in wood to metal fit, finish or wood quality. Barrel steel may have improved over the years but even a early gun, that still has a good unabused barrel, will shoot better than most folks can hold them.

bogus bill · Post by **bogus bill** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 5:02 pm

Here is my 94 I bought new in about 1955. I added the pad as I was a huge kid. Also the williams fool proof.
The 64 is a 1952. I dont think it was fired. I put less then a box through it. I shot a buck with the 94 at about 220 yards.

tman · Post by **tman** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 6:53 pm

i have 1915 src. 30wcf. who's trigger breaks like a glass rod. the 80's vintage .356wcf. seems to be well built, trigger not as nice, but a solid gun overall. my browning 1886 src. is built like a bank vault. was i just lucky, with these 3 ? perhaps i lack the sofistication to accuratley judge. am happy with all three. the 1915's got a killer trigger,though

JimT · Post by **JimT** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 8:22 pm

The best '94 is the one you have in hand at the time you need it.

The best of the Winchester model 94's.

The best of the Winchester model 94's.

best of the 94s

Re: The best of the Winchester model 94's.