Looking for info on a Winchester 94

[SG1]

Hello all,

I was touring the flea market this weekend and a gentleman there had a Winchester 94 .30-30 on a table. The rifle appeared to be in great condition (although I didn't work the action or peek inside). Out of pure curiosity I asked how much he was asking and the price was $400. I asked if he knew when it was manufactured, and he told me 1982.

I've done a bit of research but can't find any solid data on Winchester 94's produced in 1982 except that a million or more of the same rifle were made after that. It also appears that $400 is high for this particular rifle.

I've been wanting a dedicated hunting rifle for deer in KY and the .30-30 looks to be a good choice for my needs. I was considering trading a Rossi 92 stainless trapper (16" barrel) in .357 (great condition) for a Marlin .30-30 or another brand .30-30 lever action rifle. I didn't try to deal on this Winchester since I don't know much about them. Does anyone have any insight on a 1982 circa Winchester 94?

Thanks in advance for the replies!

 

[GunnyUSMC]

Most likely his wife told him that he had too many guns and had to sell one. He has priced it so high that no one will buy. This way he does not have to sell it. But if he does sell it, he will be doing really good.
Used 94s sell for right at $250 in my neck of the woods. I got lucky and picked one up for $90 a few days before Christmas.

 

[SG1]

Thanks for the reply GunnyUSMC. I figured he was high on the price, as they usually are at the flea market. What about the quality of rifles made in that time frame? Are they as good as a comparable Marlin?

 

[Steve H]

I have been looking at prices of 94's here in southern Utah. Around here $400 for one in good condition is a rarity. It's seems that the $500 - $600 range is the starting point around here.

 

[Float Pilot]

Here in Alaska $350 to $400 would be a good deal for a Win model 94. They get used quite a bit so most you find are all beat up.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

I think it was around 1987 when Winchester made the model change from the 94 to the 94AE. The ae allowed you to mount a scope on top of the rifle and the rounds ejected at an angle. You will find that the 94AE will sell for a little more then a reg 94. Now the pre 64s do sell on the uper end.
Around here the Marlins sell for about the same as the 94s.

If you would like, I could check the 3 local pawn shops in my area to see what they have in stock. If I find a good deal, you could pay for it and they would shop it to your local gun shop. You would have to pay for shipping and then maybe a transfer fee, but no taxes.

 

[SG1]

I appreciate the offer Gunny, but I haven't made my mind up. When I do, I'll be trying to trade a rifle for it. My budget has been blown for quite a while on a couple of recent additions, so cash isn't really an option.

I bought the lever action .357 thinking it would be fun and a nice hunting rifle, but after shooting it a few times - even though it's a lot of fun - I'm thinking I'd like a .30-30.

 

[jmr40]

$400 is a good price today, and they ain't getting any cheaper.

But for less than $400 (under $300 in many cases) you can buy a Stevens 200, Marlin XL-7, Weatherby Vanguard, Savage, Howa,Ruger American or several other rifles brand new that would be a better choice as a hunting rifle.

If I just wanted a 94, and I think every American should have one, I'd buy it. If your primary concern is to buy a quality, all around hunting rifle you can do better, for lots less money.

 

[CaliCoastie]

well it seems a bit high, i can still find some marlins in my area for under 300, and winchesters are a bit harder but still in the 300 range. One thing to remember/know is that the winchesters require you to squeze the lever to the stock to fire, Marlins lock up. but on the flip side i have heard that winchesters have a stronger action(even though you'll never need it for a 30-30). good luck with your choice, see what fitts you better.

PS Im a marlin guy, but something about the 1894 winchesters.....i have one but....good luck

 

[Norseland]

Hey SG1, Thanks for the post, I wanted to talk about my '94, but first

Up here in the U.P. at a gunshow in Calumet Mi, I bought my 1982 model '94 for 425,
Now that may be a tad high, but when I looked new online that seemed a way to get in cheaper. Now mine does have the been used look, not bad, but he did say he used it for hunting everyyear. Again this is a 16" w/ the wrangler hoop and saddle ring, so Maybe not what ya see everyday. Maybe in Tenn' and Kentucky you guys see them cheap but the prices here are higher I beleive.

I'm happy w/ it except (now getting to what I almost made a thread over, I didnt do well passed 70 yards w/ the buckhorn's so I just got the cheaper (35 bucks) Williams sight which is the 5D.

It screwed right in, I went outside and had 4 for 6 hit's on a 8" plate at 82 yards, 92 yds and 1 for 1 at a 100 yards. Mind you, I'm not a good shot, and w/ the buck's I never shot close to that at that range, so I'm real happy cause now it's like having a new rifle! YeeHa!

john