I came across a guy selling a bunch of rifles. He's got a russian sks, a remington 700 in 30-06, and a winchester 94 in 30-30. problem is I can only buy one of 'em. I do need a good bolt action but I have been wanting a lever gun for some time now. the lever gun has only been shot a few times and is made in '74. The bolt gun is from '70 and has been on a few hunts but thats it. I have yet to actually go and inspect these rifles but I am looking for any advice you guys care to offer.
Rifle dilemma
- Thread starter HBrebel
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MATT .45-70
Member
if they are all the same price take the 700. A winchester 94 is a good rifle i own 3 myself but the action is kinda clanky, if you really want a lever gun I personally would hold out for a smoother action rifle like a marlin, or a henry
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
A 1974 Winchester 94 is a junk gun.
That was about the low point in 94 Winchester design and production quality after the redesign and cheapening that took place in 1968.
It is chock full of sheet metal stamped parts and roll-pins holding them together.
If you want a good 94, find a good pre-1964 one, or a later more recent one after they brought most but not all of the quality back.
The 70's vintage Rem 700 would be a good'n.
rc
That was about the low point in 94 Winchester design and production quality after the redesign and cheapening that took place in 1968.
It is chock full of sheet metal stamped parts and roll-pins holding them together.
If you want a good 94, find a good pre-1964 one, or a later more recent one after they brought most but not all of the quality back.
The 70's vintage Rem 700 would be a good'n.
rc
Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
Look for any dings at the crown. No dings is good. A ding means it's bargaining time about re-crowning. But, no big deal.
Otherwise, the only other important spot is the entry into the rifling, the "leade". Shouldn't be dull and gray, indicating burning. All of the rifling should be shiny.
Minor dents, scratches or dings are just bargaining points; they don't affect the shooting.
Otherwise, the only other important spot is the entry into the rifling, the "leade". Shouldn't be dull and gray, indicating burning. All of the rifling should be shiny.
Minor dents, scratches or dings are just bargaining points; they don't affect the shooting.
Maverick223
Member
The SKS is a okay rifle, but nothing special IMO. They have been creeping up in price for the past decade or so, but I would hold out for something better and/or more practical (particularly if you plan to hunt with the rifle you choose).
I agree with RC regarding the Winny '94...that was a sad time for the company. Personally I believe the new ones are just as good as the pre-64s for any practical purpose.
The R-700 is a different story entirely. That was the golden age of Remington, so if well maintained, it should be a fine rifle. The venerable olde '06 is an outstanding cartridge for most anything from hunting most any NA game species to target shooting. Do as Art prescribes and check the barrel...barring any problems there, or any obvious flaws (like trouble cycling, bits missing, et cetera), it should be a good rifle. Without question it would be the one I would choose (and i'll not say the same for new Remington products).
I agree with RC regarding the Winny '94...that was a sad time for the company. Personally I believe the new ones are just as good as the pre-64s for any practical purpose.
The R-700 is a different story entirely. That was the golden age of Remington, so if well maintained, it should be a fine rifle. The venerable olde '06 is an outstanding cartridge for most anything from hunting most any NA game species to target shooting. Do as Art prescribes and check the barrel...barring any problems there, or any obvious flaws (like trouble cycling, bits missing, et cetera), it should be a good rifle. Without question it would be the one I would choose (and i'll not say the same for new Remington products).
d2wing
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I've owned all three. I 'd agree on the Remington 700 as a good do anything hunting rifle. The Winchester 94 is a nice close range carry gun. The SKS is the heaviest, least accurate and least pwerful, but they have the least felt recoil by alot and are good on deer at close range, and the cheapist and most fun for plinking. The price and what you want it for make a difference.
Ignition Override
Member
Maybe only the Russian SKS category -assuming that all three rifles are good values- will continue to be blocked from future imports by our new ATF Director?
Even the semi-auto Saiga shotguns from Russia seem to also be blocked right now, as reported by a friend who sold a dozen Saiga 12s at local gun shows, but maybe this will be the only category to be on the "black list".
Good luck with your decision.
Even the semi-auto Saiga shotguns from Russia seem to also be blocked right now, as reported by a friend who sold a dozen Saiga 12s at local gun shows, but maybe this will be the only category to be on the "black list".
Good luck with your decision.
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GuysModel94
Member
I would beg to differ, i own and shoot two of them and they work just fine, one was my father's truck gun for over 20 years. So why don't you, in detail, share with us what failure's you have experienced with a post 64 Model 94!!
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