Winchester 94 restoration

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duke_evs

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Hi CGN,

I was recently given my Grandfather's model 94 which is a pre '64 as well as being a PCMR rifle. It even has it's military issue sling attached. Needless to say I am very excited, I remember shooting it as a kid. However, time has caught up to the rifle and it needs more TLC then I can provide. Can anyone recommend a gunsmith (preferably in the interior of BC) to restore the rifle to it's former glory. It functions well and really needs just a re-bluing.

Cheers,
Duke
 
Why shouldn't I restore it? It is in serviceable condition but just barely. I would like to use regularly again.
 
If you restore one of the old collectable one's -----> Value DROPS BIG TIME
the collectors want them in the best shape with no improving of the marks of life on them
re-blue value is lower
re-do stock value is lower

Put it this way would you buy one of the new remarlins
or a old rifle that was made in the old factory by one of the old craftsman?

Im not saying that a good gunsmith can make it look nicer that it is now, ---> the the old guns have some CLASS by looking the way they do and hold a higher value

but if its a basket case -- wont shoot and will not hit paper its another story, then it still might be worth more as a wall hanger then as a restored version

A expert will chime in soon
 
Personally I would leave it the way it is. PCMR rifles are not that common and only in the last few years have collectors really been interested in them. Value in original condition(even if showing some wear) is only going to increase. Reblued and stock refinished, it is just another refinished pre 64 of which there are hundreds of thousands.
 
This was in the OP's original post.--------"It even has it's military issue sling attached."
This is fairly rare. The military had their own armourers to take the new Winchester 94s, or the more rare Marlin 336's, and prepare them for service to the military. They installed a sling by making a front band out of light iron metal, or copper, around the front of the wood and the barrel.
I have seen maybe four or five such Model 94 rifles so prepared for the PCMR here in BC. Only one of these had the original front sling band still intact.
 
It sounds like leaving it as is is the way to go but if you're dead set on having it worked on Terry from Black Art Rifle does very nice work and is located in Naramata.
 
Whoa! I was unaware this rifle was indeed this rare. I was not looking to restore for value I was looking to restore to shoot. I have fond childhood memories of this rifle and simply wanted to enjoy it once more. Maybe shooting this rifle isn't the best idea. So then my next question is, what would the best way to remove the small amount of rust from around the lever and trigger be before it gets worse?

Cheers,
Duke
 
Soak the rust down with oil for a while, then soak some fine bronze wool in oil and rub the rust off. If the rust is substantial you can push the big chunks off with the edge of a penny after soaking awhile with oil. Any copper of bronze left in the bluing can be removed with a good bore solvent. If you keep the steel well oiled the rust will not progress further.
 
DSC_0002.jpg

PCMS insignia shown here:
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DSC_0006.jpg

Sling attachment:
DSC_0010.jpg
 
I agree to all that has been posted.
She is a jewel and meant to be used.
Please don't alter her appearance other than the
steel wool (extra fine) and oil.
And keep her oiled.
 
Take the good advice above from Mike and Kamlooky wrt to how to take care of that bit of rust and then enjoy that ol gal. Makes me wish I still had mine.

Matt
 
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