Limited Edition Winchester 94

[Jason977]

My father gave me his rifle that he purchased new in '79. It's a 'Limited edition II' model. Unfortunately, it sat for years in the closet and got rusty The wood still looks fantastic, of course, and the bluing on the barrel still looks great. The problem is on the gold plated receiver, which has a few places where the gold plating is bubbling up and the rust is popping up through.
My questions is, is there any reason not to shoot this and enjoy it? I see examples in perfect condition for sale for $1600, and I would be surprised if this gun is worth even half of that in it's current condition, so using/ shooting it would likely not do anything to diminish its value. That's the silver lining to this story, I don't have any leverguns, and I would rather have a gun to shoot than look at...

On that note, I think it is drilled for a rear sight. Could someone confirm that the two small screws at the top rear of the left side of the receiver are those? And what is the difference between the Williams 5d-94 for $27 and the fp-94 for $74?

 

[Abel]

I know many who would not agree with me, but I would hunt the old girl. I would put a peep sight on her and sling studs and a narrow leather sling. I'd shoot her as often as I wanted and she'd be the star of all my dead deer pictures. People would see me and her in a picture with a ten point buck and say, "where did you get that rifle!" Yep, that's what I'd do.

 

[Durty]

I cannot disagree, Abel.

 

[peptoe]

Might have to get a gold grill to match.

 

[CraigC]

That's the problem with cases like that, they're terrible for long term storage.

I agree, I'd slap a Williams FP and a sling on it and go hunting.

Could someone confirm that the two small screws at the top rear of the left side of the receiver are those? And what is the difference between the Williams 5d-94 for $27 and the fp-94 for $74?

Correct, those screws are for a receiver sight. The 5D rear sight has setscrew adjustments, the FP (Foolproof) is click adjustable. I prefer the FP.

Might have to get a gold grill to match.

Not even remotely in the same ballpark.

 

[Jason977]

Thanks for the info on the Williams sights. If I understand correctly, if I'm just going to "set it and forget it" then the 5d should suit me fine? I don't really jack with scope adjustments on my other rifle, so I doubt I would feel the need to tweak these. For shots inside 100yds, I don't really think 'on the fly' adjustments are really necessary.

I've seen the front sling mount that clamps onto the mag tube, but I don't really want to drill the stock for the rear mount. Any ideas there? How about a butt plate or butt pad that has a swivel mount?

 

[mothernatureson]

comm 94

i have a couple 94's. I put a mag tube stud, and installed a stock stud on one of mine. Let me tell you, the 94 is such an easy carrying rifle, I only used the sling to carry my rifle while dragging my bagged mule deer a couple of times. I have since regretted putting that sling stud in the buttstock. In my mind it detracted from the looks of the rifle. The receiver sight is a great idea. Since these rifles are no longer available, I think its best to keep them as sent from the factory, it would help you in the future in selling it. Im sure many will disagree with this old Winchester nut! Good luck.

mothernatureson

 

[Abel]

Thanks for the info on the Williams sights. If I understand correctly, if I'm just going to "set it and forget it" then the 5d should suit me fine? I don't really jack with scope adjustments on my other rifle, so I doubt I would feel the need to tweak these. For shots inside 100yds, I don't really think 'on the fly' adjustments are really necessary.

Yes. You set it and then don't screw with it. You may have to get a taller front sight; many people have to do this when switching to a peep sight.

 

[chestnut ridge]

What you have is a "salt wood" riflestock. Apparently Winchester
acquired some figured blanks in the late 70's. This topic is well
documented on this site and others. The rust will spread.

 

[CraigC]

Doesn't look like salt wood, just neglect. I thought that was just Browning??? Unfortunately, many folks believe that simply leaving a firearm in its original box for 20yrs is "proper storage". Many a fine S&W has rusted on the side facing down, because it was left in its velvet lined box for years and years. Just like this Winchester.

 

[chestnut ridge]

I bought one of the salt wood Winchester commemoratives several
years ago. I have seen several since then; and have learned to spot
one. The key here is the rusted butt plate screws. Apparently the
screws rust more quickly since they are in contact with the inner
surface of the butt stock. Often they will twist and break when
one attempts to remove them; leaving only the screw head.
My rifle had the buttscrews and butt plate epoxied on. Also very
heavy rust and pitting on the tang contact surfaces.

 

[CraigC]

Makes sense!

 

[GuysModel94]

Owning a gun i couldn't shoot is like haveing a wife that i can not have sex with; It Is Un-think-able!!!!!! Let the dog out!!!