Unfired 1972 production '94 Winchester at LGS for $500?

[.455_Hunter]

Greetings!

A LGS has an unfired 1972 standard 20" .30-30 Model 1894 Winchester for $500. The gun has just a few handling marks, and has the improved cast lifter.

What do you think? Good buy?

If I get it, it won't be a safe queen.

Thanks,

Hunter

 

[J-Bar]

I would prefer one from the 1940's-'50's with some honest wear on it for the same money. I think the milled internals are preferable.

But that's just me and I'm a cranky old fart!

 

[LoonWulf]

still seems like a pretty decent price on a "new" 94. They been going for 6-650 used here in hawaii, no idea what they are worth on the mainland

 

[1-cavediver]

I have a 1972 Winchester 94 that I got brand new. I used it to kill my very first buck the same year. It has been utterly and totally reliable and still looks great. I would never sell it for any amount, it stays in the family.

 

[stiab]

Based on what I see in the LGS, that price is about right, not a great bargain but not a gouge price either. Many from that era eventually have metal finish problems on the receiver.

 

[natman]

For a working gun, I'd rather get a solid used pre-64. Much better made and somebody else has already put the first wear on it, so you don't have to feel bad about it.

 

[joed]

I don't think you can go wrong for the price. I own a 94 from 1966 and it has never had a problem. Personally I don't think there is much wrong with the post 64 rifles.

 

[jmr40]

The mid 60's through the 70's was the low point for Winchester. Still most rifles made then were fine, but many were not. Winchester did a better job in the 80's and 90's, quality started slipping again sometime around 2000 before closing in 2006.

Buying a rifle of that era is like playing roulette. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose and you won't know until you put your money down. The good ones made then are as good as anything else and that seems to be close to the going price.

 

[Kendal Black]

I have one of seventies vintage. It has proven reliable and handy, no complaints. A Williams FP-94 peep sight improves it in my opinion. http://amzn.to/2cLH9aV Cowboy sights don't quite do it for me, but some people think they're just fine.

Some people opine that the bluing on the receivers of the guns of this era is not very good looking, and does not hold up so well as the finish on the older guns, and blame what they call the "mystery metal" alloy of the supposedly new and improved receivers. I don't see much of a problem there but some people geek out over Winchesters...

​

 

[czhen]

If it's unfired as you said, it is
is a pretty decent price.

 

[Steve S.]

I have a side note question; I own many guns with some being owned for many years. I am an "anal" type so all of my guns are pristine, brand new looking but all have been fired many times. With any gun that has some age but had reasonable care, what detail do you look for to see if fired or unfired? I would think that unfired is hard to tell in most guns.