Model 94 30-30 a pleasant surprise

[BullRunBear]

I recently picked up a Winchester 94 made in 1978 for my wife to use. She wanted a center fire rifle for targets out to 100 yards. She shot a friend's Marlin 336 30-30 and liked the cartridge but the rifle was bigger and heavier than was comfortable. (She's 4' 11" and we're both getting older.) My other rifles are mil-surp full size battle guns. I load them down with cast bullets so recoil isn't a problem but they are awkward for her even with a rest.

The Model 94 with a 20 inch barrel fit her well and she could keep sub 2" groups at 50 yards with elbows braced using PPU ammo. I knew we had a winner when she looked up from a five shot string with a big grin. I'll work up some mild cast bullet loads for it, which is always fun. She felt the Winchester action was smoother and easier for her to cycle compared to the Marlin.

This is strictly for paper or steel targets out to 100 yards using iron sights, not hunting. Also, we'll be using it as a single shot so bullet shape isn't a factor.

This is the first Winchester of any kind I've used and I didn't know what to expect but I'm impressed and pleased for my wife. I don't know what the new ones are like but this late 1970s version is great. Wish I had tried one of these years ago.

Jeff

 

[hoghunting]

If your wife is using open sights, you might want to try the Williams peep sights as they are very easy to use, accurate and works extremely well for middle aged eyes as you don't have to focus on the rear and front sights while trying to focus on the target. You look through the peep, your eye will center the front sight, then line up with the target.

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...er-action-fire-sights-prod26035.aspx?psize=48

 

[BCRider]

If your wife likes that 94 I bet she'd love the feel of a Win 92 with handgun ammo. A nicely slicked up 92 with the springs and work done typically for cowboy action shooting would likely make her grin like a cat with a new toy. The versions with a 20 inch barrel are a little lighter and a little shorter which aids the feel.

The recoil can be controlled by selecting the strength of the load. With either .44Mag or .357mag they'll reach out and take down steel at 100 without any trouble.

 

[200Apples]

If your wife likes that 94 I bet she'd love the feel of a Win 92 with handgun ammo.

^ ^ ^ Just sayin'.

All in all, Browning's designs for Winchester are timeless. Have fun shooting!

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Surprise for me and my nephew as well.

I just had a family: Desert Day of Ballistic Joy last week and of all the iron out there, it was my Winchester Model 55 (take-down 94) and marlin 39 that tweaked my nephew the most.

The 39 was no surprise to me but I had not shot a nice winchester lever in nearly 30 years.

I was actually a bit sad though gratified to see my family eating up ALL my 30-30.

So, that said... the above sentiments for the same platform in a pistol caliber really ring true.

Todd.

 

[sappyg]

Good for your wife Bull Run!

Winchesters and 30-30s go together like peas and carrots.

 

[Furncliff]

Plus one for peep sights on the Win 94. I'm 70 and I like peep sights on my lever gun. I think Skinner makes some great sights and I have them on several rifles. Here's a link...


http://www.skinnersights.com/winchester_26.html

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I unexpectedly fell in love with lever actions six or so years ago. I had bought one just to round out my collect. Little did I know it would become my firearm of choice.

 

[BullRunBear]

Thanks for the suggestions for optional sights. I'll check them out if only for my sake since her eyesight is a lot better than mine.

One advantage to the 30-30 is I can use the same cast bullets that I use in the 30-06 and 308 rifles. I'll be curious how the Model 94 does with a .310 round ball gallery load. The ones I've loaded for an '03 Springfield have been surprisingly accurate out to 50 yards. No more recoil than a 22lr and my wife can shoot even when her arthritis acts up.

Jeff

 

[BCRider]

Bullrun', another option which I've read good results for is using the 110gn bullets intended for .30Carbine used with lighter charges of tolerant powder such as 4198 and 4227. Apparently superb for low recoil and small game without turning the things inside out.

 

[Hardtarget]

My dad gave me a '94 in 1968. I shot with the factory sights until about five years ago. The peep sights I have on it now have made a real difference for me. They are easy to use with my vision and I am much happier with my shooting(results)...more so than ever. Wish I'd put them on years ago.

However, if your wife likes the open sights then save the change to peeps for further down the road! You'll both know when the time is right.

In the meantime, just enjoy the range trips! ...and that '94.

Mark

 

[jaysouth]

Slug the chamber, throat and start of rifling for a 1/4" or so. I have found that almost all the 94s I have reloaded for like a .310 sized bullet best.

Load her up some 150 gr. cast bullets with 7-8 grs Green Dot, Red Dot or Unique. You will get low cost, low recoil, low wear in such load.

 

[Bullet Bob]

It's hard to believe how underrated 94's are. First they were too common, then they became collector's items. They're just good guns. The post-94's are widely panned, but generally they still work great. In the early 90's USRAC/Winchester did some updates that made them as good or better than ever, and then put a safety on them

Still was a good gun though.

Buy your wife a 9422 next for some real fun.

 

[BullRunBear]

I appreciate the advice. Never tried bullets so light in a 30 caliber but it's no problem to experiment. I've always had good results from a Lee mold that gives me 168 gr. GC bullets, sized to .310, cast from wheel weights and tumble lubed. No leading with mild powder charges and accurate if I do my part. If I can save a little metal with lighter bullets, so much the better. Another project for this summer or fall.

As to the 9422, my wife likes her Marlin Model 60 over the Model 39 or Henry 22 lever actions. She shoots it better than me so I just smile and leave it to her.

Jeff

 

[T.R.]

My Marlin 30-30 has a 2-7X scope and will produce groups like this whenever I shoot it.

TR

 

[jaysouth]

In the real world of woods and swamps, groups like that are called "minute of whitetail".

 

[The Bushmaster]

With a little work and tailered hand loads a 67 year old Winchester Mod 94 .30-30 can shoot three shot groups of 1 5/8" at 100 yards.

 

[Malamute]

One advantage to the 30-30 is I can use the same cast bullets that I use in the 30-06 and 308 rifles. I'll be curious how the Model 94 does with a .310 round ball gallery load. The ones I've loaded for an '03 Springfield have been surprisingly accurate out to 50 yards. No more recoil than a 22lr and my wife can shoot even when her arthritis acts up.

I load 3 grs Unique with a .310 or .315 Hornady round ball for grouse and bunnies. They kill snakes very well also with head shots. I use a tiny bit of dacron fluff to keep the powder near the primer and get much better ignition consistancy. I lube the balls with Lee liquid alox. They make about as much noise as a 22 standard velocity load. I also do 6 1/2 grs Unique with a 120-ish gr cast bullet for 32-20 level performance for plinking or small game.

The Speer 110 gr hollow point bullets are wicked varmint/pest bullets. Using the same or slightly higher load as the heavier bullets, they shot well in the 94 I had in the past. I loaded some recently but havent shot any yet.