Pre 64 Winchester 1894 30-30 Questions???

[cslinger]

I just inherited a pre 1964 Winchester 94 Thutty Thutty and I have a couple of questions.

First, what makes the pre 64 models so much more desireable. Is it just the lack of the crossbolt safety or is it more than that?

Second, are these guns ammo sensitive?

Third, are there any ammo limitations for these older lever guns. For example are there any current bullet weights or high velocity rounds that would be detrimental to a pre 64 Winchester?

I don't plan on shooting this gun very much as it really holds alot of sentimental value to me but I will take it out every once in a while and if I ever do decide to go deer hunting I will take this gun, again for sentimental reasons.

I have never owned a 30-30 and know very little about the round, bullet weights etc. I realize the power falls right around a 7.62x39 maybe a bit less but that is the extent of my knowledge. What kind of ammo diversity am I looking at. What kind of prices for premium vs. cheap plinking or sighting in ammo?

Thanks so much for the info.

Chris

 

[six 4 sure]

I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong. Along with the rest of the production line, after 64 Winchester 94’s were produced using cost saving techniques. I believe with the 94 internal parts became cast, and the receiver was made out of cheaper metal, and several other steps were taken to manufacture the product cheaper. These are also pre-safety, and pre-rebounding trigger (two of the least desired traits of current 94’s). Some believe the pre-64’s are a higher quality rifle, and in a lot of ways (if not all) they are correct. I’ve read countless post of people claiming there is nothing smoother than a pre-64 94. I don’t know for sure, but it’s on my to buy list.

Unless you reload, your ammo selection is slim, but widely available. I rarely see anything other than 150 or 170 grain loads, but you can buy them most anywhere. I say the 30-30 is nearly as popular as .22 lr. If you stick to shooting factory ammo I don’t think you’ll have any worries about hurting the gun.

Congrats on the new addition. Sounds like it’s found a good home.

six