Old 30-30, should I use it. Added post with pics.

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EtienneNavaar

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I recently got an old 30-30 lever action, it's a Winchester model 1894, and according to the serial number lookup I did it was made in 1899. Judging by the stock, it definitely could be 100+ years old. Though the wood is rough the action and barrell seem fine. My question is, should I even be thinking about shooting this thing? From a safetly point of view or from a collectible point of view?

Thanks in advance to those who reply.
 
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I shoot a Carl Gustav 6.5x55 that is from 1908. As long as the the action and barrel seem cool you should be just fine. Classic guns that were built well should last you forever. Have fun with it!
 
Be sure the barrel is stamped " for use with smokeless powders"....I use every year for deer...two Winnie rifles dated 1906...I reload for them so they shoot fantastic out to 200 yards.. As long as the bore looks decent, and the action operates decent, the store bought ammo should be ok...they are loaded down to the older barrel specs.

As for collectors, it is outer appearance that matters most...lots of blue finish left on the metals, untouched , original woods, octagon or round barrel, length of the magazine and original sights. Shooting it will not diminish the price as it is classed as fired anyways.

is the gun a rifle (26" barrel) or a carbine ( 20" barrel)? Both are 1894 models.
 
The .30 WCF (.30-30 Winchester) was a smokless powder cartridge from its introduction.If the rifle is tight and solid by all means have a go at shooting it.
 
If you're concerned, send it to me, I'll put it to good use. Long term test for you, say thirty years or so?

The rifle is likely just fine, however, if you're not familiar with the action, drop by your gun shop, and let them take a quick look.
 
If in doubt, take it to a gunsmith. They won't charge much, and it's way cheaper than having it kaboom and take some of you with it.

Then again, unless there's something wrong with it, I wouldn't be too worried. Those old guns are built like tanks with the quality that was expected of the time. Obviously don't go trying to make it a magnum, but it shouldn't have any problem performing as it was intended to.

Post pictures!
 
I have a 1900 vintage Winnie 1894 in 38-55 that shoots like a hot damn. Takes factory Winchester Super X ammo right off the shelf. I cycled it a few times when I got it and it was still really tight with a decent bore. Love those 26in barrels!!!
 
I own and shoot guns that date to the 1860s. Know people who shoot guns much older than that too. One of the reasons guns can be a good investment is that many will last a lot longer than you AND your kids.

It it looks good and solid it probably is. Never hurts to get it checked if you have any doubt though.
 
I have a model 94 win. in .30-30win, I bought new in 1991 I believe it was. it is still in new unfired condition. I will trade you even up for that old thing you have, sight unseen.
 
As others have mentioned, if the action still seems to lock up tight and there are no obstructions in the barrel, you are ready to go. I shoot all kinds of old Winchesters, including a few that were made before yours was, and they all give a lot of pleasure to shoot.
 
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