Pre 64 Winchester 94 30-30

[Bill2e]

Is there any reason not to shoot a pre-64 Model 94?

The rifle in question was my fathers, manufactured in around 1950.

Assuming everything on the gun checks out is there any reason to put in on the wall instead of firing it?

I am inclined to shoot the thing.

Thanks.

 

[mattw]

Its fine, don't worry about it. Unless you're worried about collector value then fire away. It is good to go with modern ammo provided it isn't already damaged in some way. The only time you need to worry about shooting modern ammo out of an old weapon is if it was made buy a less-than reputable company or made before about 1910 I think. That is around the time when heat treating of parts changed.

 

[rcmodel]

No, no reason at all, unless it is at or near 100% unfired condition and still has the Winchester hang-tags on it.

Just take care not to use it to hold down the barbwire when you climb over a fence, and clean & oil it when you get ready to put it away.

BTW: I don't consider a 1950'ish 94 Winchester an "old" gun!
It's a modern gun in every respect.
Heck, it's even several years younger then I am!

rcmodel

 

[Horsemany]

I will say that prices on 94's like yours have skyrocketed in my area the last few years. If your gun is in 95% condition or better my local gunshop would sell it for $1000 or better depending on condition. They have a 48' in 99% right now listed for $1750.

Winchesters are valued by condition as much or more than any other brand. And your gun is valuable enough that decreasing the condition will decrease the value. That's not to say you shouldn't shoot it. If your gun is in excellent condition it would make more sense to plink with a newer Marlin or Winnie that doesn't hold collector value IMO. What condition is it in?

 

[Bill2e]

It's in good condition, but not 95% or anything like that.

I really don't care about collector value as it is family gun that will not be sold.

 

[ECVMatt]

Shoot that gun and have fun!

I have a similar one that my dad and I take out and shoot. It is a lot of fun and we enjoy using it.

Matt

 

[mattw]

I got lucky because I have a winchester model 94 in .30-30 that was made in the early 1970s. It still has great fit and finish and doesn't have any politically correct safeties, but I don't have to worry about shooting out a pre-'64 winchester.

 

[Mr White]

Bill2E,
I have the same type of gun. Pre 64, .32 Win, pretty good but not immaculate condition. I don't pound rounds thru it like I would an old SKS or even my Garand, but I I shoot it in teh fall and take it hunting a lot. Nothing wrong with shooting it within reason.

 

[plexreticle]

$1000, wow

I have a 1959 one I bought about 6 years ago for $350. I felt I paid too much for it at the time.

 

[skinewmexico]

What's the point of owning a gun you can't shoot?

 

[Horsemany]

What's the point of owning a gun you can't shoot?

Some people buy guns to remember their youth or just to appreciate quality craftsmanship that is no longer common today. Not everyone views guns as a tool. I collect 2 types of guns. Most of my guns I buy to use. Some others I buy to have and admire. If nobody collected guns other than to use them, nobody would want the old guns. It's no different than someone collecting old cars. If you find a pristine car from the 50's would you make it your daily driver? The pristine examples of old guns available today are in existence because someone before you preserved it rather than used it.

 

[T.R.]

This is a photo of my friend Bill of Berks County, Pennsylvania. He hunts with this 1952 model 32 Special every year. The letter H inletted into the stock is a custom touch Bill did himself. Bill doesn't worry about collector value, he told me his heirs won't sell it anyways.

Don't put your carbine into a gun safe. It was designed and built for hunting the forests and foothills of North America.

TR

PS the looped rope makes dragging much easier; Bill has dragged out dozens of deer and knows what works best

 

[Smokey Joe]

You just answered...

Bill 2E--IMHO, you just answered yr own question:

I really don't care about collector value as it is family gun that will not be sold.

Keep it in nice condition, don't abuse it, but for love of yr dad, take it out and shoot it each year on his birthday, at the very least--Oh, and each of the kids and grandkids gets to shoot it on their birthdays, too, or some such special occasion. It's really neat to have an "heirloom firearm!"

 

[Hokkmike]

I just picked up a model 94 Win. and it will be a shooter. But I WILL take ggod care of it and clean it well. (But I do that with all my guns) A little extra TLC and take it out!

Prices of the pre-64'w vary from the $300's to $1,000 and more. They are not super collectible yet - but they are heading that way!

 

[rcmodel]

They have a 48' in 99% right now listed for $1750.

Cabala's in K.C. has some priced like that too.

I don't see them actually selling them though!

rcmodel

 

[Horsemany]

rcmodel

I know what you mean. The "fine gun rooms" usually price them right between insulting and ridiculous. I've sold some guns to my local fine gun room and I watch them closely. 1950's 94's in 95% or better are actually selling for around $1000 to $1300 here. For some reason the lever Winchesters have really shot up lately.

 

[frenchwrench]

I still shoot my Grandpa's 30.30 the born on date is 1899. Enjoy!!!

 

[Bill2e]

Bill 2E--IMHO, you just answered yr own question:

Smokey Joe, you are correct. I know I want to shoot it, just wanted to make sure. Thanks for all the replies.

I am having it cleaned & checked out right now.

 

[Mr White]

Haha! T.R., when I saw the picture you posted, the thought that immediately popped into my head, even before reading your words, was "Oh, from the size of your deer, I see you hunt in Pennsylvania." Sure enough, it is a PA deer.

 

[mothernatureson]

photo of deer and model 94

I love the photo of the hunter and his model 94. Looks like my kind of hunter! Rifle, shells and license. Hunting without any of the gimmicks!

 

[luckytexan]

I occasionally hunt with my '57 Model 94. It feels good in the hands and comes quick to the shoulder.

Shoot it. That was what it was made for.