Winchester 94 issues

[okanagan hiker]

Hello all...

I have owned a pre-64 Winchester 94 ( 1958 ) for about 6 months, and have some maintainance concerns.

1) The trigger is great, but the lever seems a bit stiff. I was wondering if anyone know of a good Win 94 gunsmith in the Vancouver area? I am thinking it is time for its 50 year checkup! What would be a reasonable cost for a tune-up?

2) Perhaps a goofy question... should I be worried about using it in the rain? ( the fact that there is "sort of " an opening in a top eject lever action makes me wonder if water gets in easily ) I know that rifles are made to be used, and I plan to... but I don't want to harm it. I have oiled the stock, and it is almost waterproof now, and the blueing is good, and I keep it oiled, the bore is good and gets cleaned and lightly oiled ( and then run thru with a dry patch before firing )... but I am worried about the internals of the rifle with regards to rain ( or, God forbid... I almost dropped it into a creek this summer ) Am I being too paranoid? Are there procedures I need to follow for the innner workings ( both before and after it might get wet? )

Any words of wisdom from experienced Win94 users?

Thanks in advance

 

[Woodsman]

Nothing to worry about. Keep a can of wd 40 if it gets wet interally. It will blast out any water. Alos, open action when your in camp and let it dry out.

Could it be that the action may be stiff because it hasn't been used much?

 

[sunray]

"...the lever seems a bit stiff..." Win 94's are like that. It's a 100 plus year old design.
If it gets wet, clean and oil it as soon as you can. Pre-64's are worth a fair chunk of money, but you're already doing everything you can.