Winchester 94 1970

P

PEGUY

Member
Rating - 100%
12   0   0
Location
AB
Hello,

My father in law recently purchased a used model 1894 (30-30). He thought it was pre-64. After I punched in the serial # it said it was produced in 1970. Any know if this was a bad year for Winchester '94's? I know some years were defenitely better than others, I am just wodering if he can expect any specific problems. I doubt it as it is 36 years old already.

Thanks for any input.
 
Use it and have fun.

So far the only thing I have heard on post 64s is the loading ramp thingy is not as solid, and may give out over time. I'm sure our resident lever experts have more info.
 
I've read that the 94's produced for a few years after the change in 64 had some problems. I've also read that the 94's produced after things settled down are just as reliable as the pre-64's. The 70's guns are OK.
I've got a 73 that works just great. The 70's guns are known for flaking bluing on the receiver though - mine is. They cannot/are difficult to reblue - usually turn out purple. I figure if I ever refinish, I'll get it parkerized.
 
The 1960's and 70's era guns aren't "blued" in the traditional sense. A less expensive blueing-looking coating was used instead. Also, many internal parts are made of stamped sheet steel, like the cartridge lifter and the loading ramp. On some guns they can be prone to bending or breaking over time. The fit and finish will be of a lower standard than on the pre-64 guns. Also, all pre-64's are either Walnut or Gumwood. Many post-64's are maple, beech or birch stained to look like walnut and then spray-eurethaned. Your dad's gun should also be pre-angle eject, which is a good thing in my books, but makes mounting a scope directly over the receiver an ill-advised idea.

The lever is also redesigned and some of the receiver internal geometry and parts dimensions were also changed to make them cheaper and easier to manufacture. Look at the pin layout next to a pre-64 model. The dimensions and layout are different. - In short, the gun is less elegant all around than it's pre-64 parent.

Assuming you don't break a lifter of loading gate/ramp, the gun should work just fine. I think aftermarket milled substitute parts can be had as well, if any of that bothers you. If I had to bet my life on a 94 though, it would be a pre-64 one. They have a reputation for better reliability due to the milled parts and hand fitting employed during manufacture.
 
Last edited:
I have a 1972 made mdel 94 that has never given me any trouble and shoots extremely well. Take it out and shoot it and don't worry about when it was made. You will be able to enjoy it more that way.
 
My 1971 94 has fired thousands of rounds. It doesn't have the stamped parts.
My friend has a 1970 version that does have the stamped parts, and he has a lot of problems with it.
Over the last two years, he's replaced the firing pin, and the magazine stop (refered to as the link item 33 below)
The aforementioned cartridge lifter is item 30, the good one is pictured

ipb-winchester-94.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom