Pre-64 Winchester 94 in 32 Special or a new Marlin 30-30?

MD

MD

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I was at the local gun shop today and overheard a guy wanting to buy a new 30-30 for his son.

They were shocked at the sticker price of a new made in Japan Winchester 94 and the gun shop guy showed them a new Marlin for I don't know what price. They were pretty excited about that.

On the used rack in the middle of the room was a near new looking pre-64 Model 94 in 32 Special for $450.

I can understand if they wanted a scope sighted lever as the Marlin accommodates that but otherwise I know which one I would have selected.

You?
 
It is an important point who the end user is. Everyday hunters from a family of hunters versus gunnutz is two different worlds. I own a pre-64 94 in 32 Winchester Special but am knowledgeable on firearms and reload and wiling to live with the limits of the design. For a general hunter not interested in some finer points or the limits of the design I would recommend a 30-30 Marlin or a used or Japanese Angle Eject for a newbie. I would recommend a used Marlin with a receiver sight specifically. I know folks who would see giving a nice pre-64 to a total greenhorn as his first hunting rifle for hard hunting as almost a sacrilege.

It is almost a guarantee that a scope will end up on the rifle these days. 30-30 ammo is available almost anywhere from Calgary to the Arctic circle. There are great choices these days from Hornady. If Remington has fixed the problems modern Marlins come in a number of sturdy hunting models.
 
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I just allowed myself to get screwed today. paid upfront for a pre 64 winchester 94 for 500 bucks. Old fella that owned it said he bought it new in 62. It arrived today and the serial number said 1969. No machined lifter for me. I'll probably sell it and lose 150. Bummer.
 
For those of good eyes and can do open sights, the 94 is slim, trim and easy to carry.
I gave up my 94's in lew of Marlins.
The way these things group is far better and with the ease of mounting optics and the
side brass tossing ability is a no brainer.
Plus, the Bullseye makes'm fun.
 
Sleeper said:
I just allowed myself to get screwed today. paid upfront for a pre 64 winchester 94 for 500 bucks. Old fella that owned it said he bought it new in 62. It arrived today and the serial number said 1969. No machined lifter for me. I'll probably sell it and lose 150. Bummer.
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Wow...he clearly misrepresented what he was selling. It's not a small difference. Tell him you're returning it?
 
Yah I don't think so, he is a real old guy I met that bought it new. I jumped an opportunity without checking it out. He was positive he bought it somewhere around 62 but I didn't Make any conditions.
Ya win some of these and you lose some.
 
Sleeper said:
Yah I don't think so, he is a real old guy I met that bought it new. I jumped an opportunity without checking it out. He was positive he bought it somewhere around 62 but I didn't Make any conditions.
Ya win some of these and you lose some.
Click to expand...

good on you for your attitude and doing what you're doing. The old guy probably has a poor memory and did not purposely screw you. You are a good man.
 
I just looked an a 1955 Winchester Model 94 in 30-30 and its in VG ++ condition. The only wear on it is the barrel band and edges of the frame.
Its different because there isn't any wear to the receiver where they are normally carried.
Good quality workmanship in this old gun.
 
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