rifle choice

[louden]

Hello folks, I am new to the group, so thanks for helping me out. My father recently gave my brother and I some new rifles. I have first choice and am not sure which one to pick. The first rifle is a savage model 12 .223 Thumbhole stock varminator. This rifle has never been shot and is really nice. However, I don't hunt varmint and so it would just be range shooting...which would also be a lot of fun to shoot I imagine. The other is a late 1980's model 94 winchester 30-30. I am just wondering which rifle some of you would choose if given the same option. Thanks for the info!

 

[sixgunner455]

The Winchester. They aren't making them like that anymore. You can still get a Savage any day you want to.

But the Savage, to me, would be more fun to shoot.

 

[Inebriated]

I'd take the Savage.
.223 is cheap.
Savages shoot very accurately.

 

[.333 Nitro Express]

Pick the Winchester. Especially if it's an older one like you said--when they made them without the "lawyer safety" on the receiver. The other is you can get any old day.

 

[louden]

Is 1988 considered old for the model 94's? It is the basic model so nothing fancy, but it sure feels good to hold.

 

[CB900F]

Louden;

No, the Winchester is not particularly old as that model goes. It's called a model 94 because it was first released in 1894. But, it's essentially the same gun as the original design, before it got modified for lawyer purposes. It's a very good solid gun, a true classic. I'd make the same choice others have suggested to you. Go with the Winchester, pass on the Savage.

900F

 

[Abel]

Winchester 94

 

[louden]

Thanks folks! That was my original gut choice and so I went with the winchester. Can't wait to shoot it.

 

[godale]

i love savage rifles but a 94? what a peice of history good choice.

 

[.333 Nitro Express]

Great choice, Louden.

I used to own a Winchester 94 trapper in 45 Colt from about the same year as yours, and like an idiot I sold it, and regretted it ever since, especially after Winchester introduced that ugly thumb-push safety that stands out in the receiver like a port-a-john in a marble hall.

You have a great one. Enjoy it for me too!

 

[allaroundhunter]

Give us a picture!

Here's mine

 

[louden]

That's real nice. I like the etching on grip of the stick. Mine doesn't have have that. I will get a picture up.

 

[jason41987]

without a doubt in my mind i would take that winchester... that rifle is absolutely a work of art... some would call it legendary in the history of rifles, and its pretty versitile for whatever you decide to hunt with it

 

[DurangoKid]

The Winchester Mdl. of 1894 was introduced in 1895. This was the first rifle made for smokless powder. The Mdl. 94 Winchesters made before 1964 are considered the best of the 94s. Mdl. 94s made after 1964 do not carry the high value of the Pre-64 Mdls. The Mdl. 94 is still in production along with the Mdl.92 Mdl. 95 and Mdl 86. These Winchesters are now made by Mirouku Machine of Japan as are all Browning firearms.

 

[snakeman]

PICS!

 

[MachIVshooter]

The Savage is a better range toy, but the Winchester is a nicer heirloom. Good call.

 

[CB900F]

Fella's;

Actually, the 6.5 X 55mm Mauser was developed in 1891 (Wikipedia) and adopted as the military cartridge of both Norway and Sweden in 1894 (Cartridges Of The World) thereby preceding the .30-30 Winchester as the first smokeless powder cartridge. And, of course, the guns made to accept it also preceded the 1894 Winchester.

900F