Pre-64 Winchester 94 Q’s.

[Kenton38]

Good afternoon all,

Just found a pre-64 Winchester 94 in shooter grade condition. Buggered up totally on the outside but with an almost mint bore. I don’t really know anything about 94’s, but I knew that $400 for a pre-64 was alright for me regardless of external condition.

After a brief amount of study, I’ve determined that this rifle was drilled and tapped for some kind of aftermarket rear sight, maybe a Lyman? In addition, it looks like I’m missing the “finger lever pin.” Could someone explain to me what the purpose of this pin is? Should I consider the rifle non-functioning/firing without it? And what are some recommendations for finding a replacement?

Also, the butt stock doesn’t appear to fit correctly, however it appears original to the gun. It fits perfectly until the actual tang screw is installed, which seems to push the stock out of perfect fit.

I’ll attach pictures, let me know what you all think! The old coot who had it before me stippled “Earl” into the stock, thought that was funny.

EDIT: realized I’m even more clueless than i thought. I do have a finger lever pin. I’ve successfully broken the gun down and put it back together. The only thing mechanically wrong with it ive found is that the lower tang trigger safety won’t engage properly. Looks like maybe just an old worn out spring.

 

[jmr40]

I have no idea how much those are selling for now, but $400 doesn't seem unreasonable. The holes for a peep sight should be factory. I have one made somewhere between 1958 and 1960 and it has them. But depending on when it was made those may not have always been there. Looks like a lot of honest hard use, not necessarily abuse.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

That ain't so bad. I like them with wear and character. Also kind of cool to find an old rifle with initials on it, the "Earl" is classic, and I'm sure that's the name of the rifle now. I'm not aware of factory drilled receivers, (for sights) but I really don't know that much about the '94, other than having a couple.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

We have all seen much worse. It would be great if your name was Earl. Don't know if those holes were factory, but many were just as many Marlins were.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Screw hole pattern isn’t quite same as Marlin, or later sights. Someone might recognize the pattern, however. Maybe an early Lyman sight.
For an every day hunter, tote along, it’s just “broken in”... I’ve had worse!

 

[Ugly Sauce]

ooooh! ooooh!!! Name it: "The Duke of Earl". And just "Duke" for short. You are welcome.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

And I bet now one can get the song out of their head now.

 

[film495]

clean it, oil it, get it functioning properly, a nice shooter IMHO. character marks add character to the age on a good shooter. I have a pre 64 and I think it has a redfield peep sight that mounts to the side there. it is from early 50s so, you're might be the same and drilled for a similar sight. I've seen them on ebay when trolling listings. the lower tang safety spring may just need a slight tune/bend to get it to work correctly. It is curious the stock fits right until the tang bolt is put in, that just seems wrong like there is an obstruciton in the hole through the stock or something. maybe the bolt is bent?