Just bought a Winchester 94 - how did I do? (pics included)

[ijosef]

I just bought a Winchester Model 94 .30-30 that will be my Dad's Father's Day gift. I think I could've bargained down another forty or fifty bucks, but I ended up paying the guy (private seller) $200 cash. He bought it new in 1975, so it's a one owner gun that's shot a lot of white tail deer in its day. It's fully functional, although there's surface rust and areas where the bluing is worn off. There's surface rust in the bore, but the rifling looks good with no worn spots.

So, was this a good buy? I'm going to clean and oil it, but should I do any sort of extensive rust removal? Should I touch up the bluing, or would it be best to leave it as-is?

 

[J&J]

Judging fom the prices I saw at the Raleigh gun show this past weekend I'd say you got a great deal... about 1/2 of those I saw there...

Congrats

John

 

[Oro]

I would say you paid a fair price - it does have some cancer but with enough elbow grease it can be redeemed. Clean ones will usually do about $300 and up depending upon model/features/location.

 

[salvo]

I would say you got it for a fair price.
You can remove the light surface rust with gun oil and fine 0000 steel wool and the 0000 wool will not harm the bluing. If you run into heavier rust a good gun oil and the edge of a nickel will remove it, again without harming the bluing.
You can give cold bluing a try, if its small areas it should blend in pretty good, at least the raw steel will be protected. I have had good luck with Burchwood Casey Perma Blue Paste.
Good luck I'm sure your Dad will love it. I revamped a 1965 Winchester 94 for my Dad last year.

 

[.45Guy]

The furniture looks like it has some real potential as well. PM sent...

 

[DFW1911]

Tell you what, if you're not happy with it, I'll give you $250.

See, you already on the path to independent wealth !

I think you did just fine.

Thanks,
DFW1911