Best Winchester Lever Gun for Deer

[AR15meister]

What would most say the best years/models would be?

 

[the spank]

Oh this should be an entertaining thread?!....

in 3..2..1...

 

[Keep6]

Pre 64 mod 94

/ end thread

 

[Magellann]

^^^what he said, if you want the best 94
But I'm sure that they are all more than capable.

 

[the spank]

Pre 64 mod 94

/ end thread

But I only own a first year production pre-64 model 64 deluxe carbine in 30wcf....I guess I’ll need to trade it.....

 

[AR15meister]

Pre 64 mod 94

/ end thread

what would one expect to pay for one in hunting condition? not a collector gun. willing to refinish or customize.

 

[the spank]

$450-$600 depending on condition and calibre in a standard grade....

 

[28 gauge]

Winchester Model 94,but if y0u want to do it in style, with a gentleman's rifle,go with a Winchester Model 64.

 

[blasted_saber]

I like 44mag for short range (less then 50m) better then 3030

 

[fuzzy39]

Nothing wrong with the Big Bore angle eject models (sans Crossbolt safety). I have one in 356 Win and it is accurate and super slick. Look for the Big Bore AE in 307 or 356 for extra performance over the 30-30. Hornady makes 307 brass now that is easy to find and they also do make Leverevolution ammo for the 307.

 

[PEKS]

Winchester Model 71, 348 Win

 

[Magellann]

Id stick with the traditional 30 30 Cal. And open sights .

 

[torontogungal]

M88 lever 308 Win.
Win 94 30-30 Win or 32 WSP.
Pre 64 of course.
Deer, elk, moose taken with all of the above.
Shot placement is critical.

 

[Snider shooter]

Model 94 pre WW1 in 38-55.

 

[Doc Rainbow]

Of mine? Up close ( less than 100 yards ) I'd go with my Winchester/Miroku 1873 case-hardened short rifle in 357 magnum/38 Special shooting Speer Gold Dot 357 magnum 158 grain JSP's which I usually shoot less than 2" groups offhand. Unless I was in an area with grizzly bears. Then I'd shoot one with a little more kick to it. And probably pick a lever gun in a calibre I don't have.

 

[a j cave]

Miroku 1886 in 45-70.$1500.

 

[SHELL SHUCKER]

My best 94 for deer bonking was a pre safety Big Bore in 375 Win. which I feel is the best & strongest action made in the 94 series. I've had many versions of the 94 over the years and found that the early post 64's with the stamped cartridge lifter were the shoddiest in quality, though they shot ok at woods ranges. I reckon most any model 94 in sound shape to be a great choice for us fans of 'em. Nothing carries & handles like a good 94.

 

[Snowdingo]

A lot of variables here of course, but a fun thread. I vote 94 30-30, modify optics/sights/stock/barrel length/caliber to taste. Even the post 64 clankers will smoke a deer.

My favorite? Later model 94 30-30, Wintuff stock and a williams rear sight (I just wish it didnt have the crossbolt safety).

 

[Francois_]

Winchester 71, 348 quite a gun .....

 

[Brutus]

30-30 with replacement William Fool Proof receiver peep sight. Firesite front peep is one third smaller than factory bead sight.
The late Ben Lily a predator hunter of considerable fame used two Winchester rifles, a 30-30 for mountain lions and a 33 Winchester for bears.
So in big bear country I would give the knod to the more common 348. IIRC, once upon a time the RCAF consisted purchase of 348 caliber rifles for crashed aircrew survival in our desolate northern tundra. My two bits only.