94s Yesterday and Today
- Thread starter ronecol
- Start date
Midnight Rider
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- ......the Vanishing Point .
Generally from 64 to early 70s are the ones to avoid ; but by the mid 70s , quality was again on the rise , and lasted until U.S. production was discontinued in 2006 . I personally would take a mid 70s and later 94 over a pre 64 model .
I have pre-64s, 70s and Mirokus. I agree with the above, pre-64s or Miroku only for me if I were to buy another one. I actually think the Miroku ones are better than the pre-64 Americans. Then again, once I fixed up my 70s 30-30, it’s been fine too.
Lee Enfield
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Republic of Alberta
I find the comparison and evolution interesting.
Both are handsome 30-30s (I think) and of quality from a different time.
I have a first year, first model frame (they made a few thousand before moving the rail screws to the inside) 1894.
I dislike the cross bolt safety (Marlin did a cleaner job) and I despise the tang safety they've used, and the current nose cap design is ugly and cheap looking.
As an aside the best '94s are the post 1971 manufactured actions - the first improved engineering since 1895.
Post 71 94 actions are the best? Must be why they rattle when you shake them. Any "improvements" Winchester made in the 60's and 70's were pretty much done to lower costs and did nothing to improve function. That's what happens when gun people get pushed out of decision making and bean counters take over.
I have '29 and '58 carbines. My brother has a '72.
The '58 is the smoothest, and the internal polishing of parts is superior to the '29.
The '29 is a fraction lighter, and is nicer to carry thanks to the more rounded receiver bottom. Also has the best trigger pull.
Functionally, the '72 is the near-equal to the '58. Aesthetically, it has some issues, mainly the sintered metal receiver and very plain birch (?) stock. I've had to replace a broken firing pin on it, and it was easier than it would have been on a pre- '64. There are some pretty significant design changes between pre- and post- '64, none are really for the better, but just to make it cheaper.
I haven't even laid eyes on a Miroku, so have to reserve judgement for now. I lost interest in '94's after they added the cross bolt safety and angle eject.
The '58 is the smoothest, and the internal polishing of parts is superior to the '29.
The '29 is a fraction lighter, and is nicer to carry thanks to the more rounded receiver bottom. Also has the best trigger pull.
Functionally, the '72 is the near-equal to the '58. Aesthetically, it has some issues, mainly the sintered metal receiver and very plain birch (?) stock. I've had to replace a broken firing pin on it, and it was easier than it would have been on a pre- '64. There are some pretty significant design changes between pre- and post- '64, none are really for the better, but just to make it cheaper.
I haven't even laid eyes on a Miroku, so have to reserve judgement for now. I lost interest in '94's after they added the cross bolt safety and angle eject.
I was given a 44 Mag with the crossbolt safety, other than that it is a very nice rifle, nicer than the early 80's XTR and way nicer than the 70's vintage rifles I've handled.
I've handled the Miruko's, no way I'd pick one over a 50's vintage rifle.
I've handled the Miruko's, no way I'd pick one over a 50's vintage rifle.
