Pre-64 Winchester '94 - what trouble spots should I look for?

[TheCoachZed]

Looking at getting an ancient Winchester '94 in .30-30. What are the trouble spots on these old guns?

It's got pretty worn blueing, has been drilled and tapped, not a collector. Bore had some surface rust but strong rifling.

 

[tiriaq]

If it has been used a lot, the action may be worn to the point that the locking lug has set back, with an increase in headspace.

 

[THE.KJK]

There really isn't all that much that is prone to breaking in these guns at all, if it has a good bore like you said, the sites and stock haven't been broken off and the half-#### safety works you are in business.

 

[just having some fun]

when you fire your first rounds check for primers that have popped out (higher than brass)
if they have popped out a bit get head spaced checked

 

[dirt dog]

i use one yearly from 1896 its had 3 inches cut off the barrel at some point in its life the best working model 94 i have, accurite and cycles well.

 

[Mike Webb]

Pretty tough rifles. Long, long use may cause the small spring loaded stud on the lever assy. behind the trigger to weaken and allow the action to droop open a little on it's own.

 

[lledwod]

I've got a model 94 from 1941 that has sentimental value to me and I still like to carry and hunt with it. It operates and shoots well but does pop the primers a bit. what is the method for fixing the headspace on a model 94?

 

[730win94]

I've got a model 94 from 1941 that has sentimental value to me and I still like to carry and hunt with it. It operates and shoots well but does pop the primers a bit. what is the method for fixing the headspace on a model 94?

a gunsmith can fit a thicker locking lug

 

[just having some fun]

what is the method for fixing the headspace on a model 94?

the first lever (used) i purchased popped the primers took it to a gun smith and he said leaver arm had been bent

was a cheep fix all things considered

 

[lledwod]

Thanks, one day I will have it looked at.

 

[Winnipeg Toymaker]

I have 2 Winny 30-30 rifles from 1906 and every year they go into the bush. Never a problem after over a hundred years of use.