new Winchester model 94 Sporter, thoughts?

[Skillet]

So I have been looking around for a while for a good cowboy gun, and I was wandering through my local gun shop, and they have a new winchester model 94 sporter in stock. this one- http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/detail.asp?family=003C&mid=534178

I loved the fit and finish to it, and the action ran really smooth, and I know they are only asking about 1,190 for it, but I was wondering if there are any other guns out there by Marlin or Uberti, or Rossi that are comparable, in quality, and maybe be a better deal for cheaper? thanks for your input

 

[joed]

That is a top of the line lever gun, hence the price tag. I doubt you will find anything as nicely made as that rifle. Your only other choices are a used 94, a new or used Marlin or a Rossi.

Don't sell a used Marlin or Winchester short though. They can be had for around $300 and are usually in good shape. I have a 94 that was carried by a mounted police unit here. Little use other then being in the elements. Also had someone leave me a Marlin 336c made in 1968, it's a nice one too, with very little use.

Myself, I'd pass on Rossi or Uberti, but that's just me.

 

[Geno]

Don't overlook the Henry. What impressed me, is that Henry maintains that the hardened brass receiver, is as-hard-as the steel receiver. Interesting fact! They also manufacturer a dandy .45-70 Govt, and cowboy guns. Links provided below:

http://www.henryrepeating.com/rifle-big-boy.cfm

http://www.henryrepeating.com/rifle-3030.cfm

http://www.henryrepeating.com/henry-rifles.cfm

Geno

 

[eastbank]

you can find a very nice 50,s-early 60,s win 94 for 400-600 dollars, i saw two very nice win 94,s in 30-30 go for 575.00 a piece at auction two weeks ago, i,m not sure a new win 94 will ever get as smooth as a pre-64 win. with use. i bought this 336 marlin 30-30 made in 1977 for 420.00 at the same auction. eastbank.

 

[jmr40]

You could buy 2 pre-64's for that price or 4 post 64's. I have no doubt they are good guns. But not worth the money they are asking for the Japanese version. Not to me anyway. Prices have gone up on used 30-30's. I have several that I paid well under $200 for, including the one in the photo, but there are still plenty of good used rifles out there for well under $400.

I like the looks and feel of the Winchesters better, but feel the overall quality of the older Marlins is better. Rossi and Uberti's I've seen left me unimpressed. The Henry is probably a decent gun, but those are some heavy, clumsy handling guns. Everything a lever action is supposed to not be.

If you can find a used Marlin like this you have the best of everything.

 

[DPris]

You can spend less, but you won't equal the quality.
Denis