Hello, the first gun I ever shot was a Win 94 30-30 and would like to finally get one. i don't know much about them yet but I keep hearing about pre or post ‘64 . Not new to levers I have a Henry big boy in 357/.38 spc colour case hardened. Would love to hear thoughts and opinions of the differences of the pre/post ‘64 and other things I need to know before deciding on one. Also a decent price ranges so I know what to look out for when looking around. Thanks guys!
Winchester 94 30-30 looking for advice
- Thread starter Ghillbert
- Start date
The new Miroku made 94’s are very well made. That said, you’re looking at $1500-$1700. All new rifles are angle eject, meaning you can mount a scope without issue.
There will be others who can speak to the pre-post ‘64, but it comes down to a change in management at the time, and a decline in quality control as a result. If you check out the EE I am sure you can find a pre ‘64 for ~$1000. I don't THINK scopes are easily mounted on those, but don’t quote me on that.
There will be others who can speak to the pre-post ‘64, but it comes down to a change in management at the time, and a decline in quality control as a result. If you check out the EE I am sure you can find a pre ‘64 for ~$1000. I don't THINK scopes are easily mounted on those, but don’t quote me on that.
- Location
- Western Manitoba
Might or might not matter to you - post-64 receivers - for many years and maybe still - seem to be made of "mystery metal" that does not take bluing very well - at least the kind of "bluing" that home guys try to do. Pre-64 receivers were milled from blocks of steel - they blue easily, but were likely uber expensive to make circa 1964 - had to find "another way".
Above posts are mostly correct - most pre-64 and some post 64 will eject straight up - if you want to install a scope, have to mount it off to left side and rotate the turrets so the fired brass does not hit the windage turret. Some time later they came up with "angle eject" and much easier to mount rings, much easier to work with scope. If you are looking to buy a used Win Model 94, you might want to look at what is involved to "re-finish" it, and how the ejection works.
Above posts are mostly correct - most pre-64 and some post 64 will eject straight up - if you want to install a scope, have to mount it off to left side and rotate the turrets so the fired brass does not hit the windage turret. Some time later they came up with "angle eject" and much easier to mount rings, much easier to work with scope. If you are looking to buy a used Win Model 94, you might want to look at what is involved to "re-finish" it, and how the ejection works.
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
I’ve refinished and shot a post 64 M94 in 30-30 for a friend, was a 1975 or 76 made rifle. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy it or one like it if the price was right, seemed well made and it shoots pretty accurately for a iron sighted gun from the 70’s. Can’t say I like the current prices, the Yellowstone effect is what I’ve been calling it lol.
Winchester used stinter steel receivers which wouldn't take bluing properly. https://du-lite.com/blackening-post...jKx88JlXlolBhEgOviFTUapM97GH2y0sbxwbWxipNCjAF
Ejection angle aside, I find the biggest thing to look out for are oil soaked stocks. If you see any black oxidation at the wrist, take heed. As the mechanism of the '94 drops out of the rifle when levered open, guys would over lubricate all the pivots and slides thinking they were protecting their investments. Then they'd prop them up in the gun cabinet till next hunt season...all those months, the oil migrates into the end grain of the stock. The resulting damage is a spectrum of horrible to slight. Caveat emptor.
Ejection angle aside, I find the biggest thing to look out for are oil soaked stocks. If you see any black oxidation at the wrist, take heed. As the mechanism of the '94 drops out of the rifle when levered open, guys would over lubricate all the pivots and slides thinking they were protecting their investments. Then they'd prop them up in the gun cabinet till next hunt season...all those months, the oil migrates into the end grain of the stock. The resulting damage is a spectrum of horrible to slight. Caveat emptor.
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
For what it’s worth I’ve successfully cold blued the post 64 receiver with good results, so it’s possible lol
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
Here’s a link to the redo I posted once it was all done, degreasing the bare metal is very important when you cold blue. Once you think you’ve got it clean enough, clean it a couple more times lol.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/win-m94-resurrection-pic-heavy.2304431/
Oh wow! Great job Bill, haha I remember reading about a gun someone put sling mounts in with deck screws….was you talking about the enfield, was in firearm f’ups or a bubba thread iirc , I have my grandfathers enfield so I should take some pics and get it identified here in one of the applicable threads. I think it might also have some black oxidation like painkillers was talking about with the 94 so I’ll have to check that out as well. Again fantastic job on saving that rifle!
