Winchester '94 AE, opinions requested

[Noxx]

I recently picked up a Win 1894 AE in .44mag. The serial number is above the researched range available online, but should put it in the mid 1980's. This is the Trapper, with the 16" barrel, 9 shot mag tube.

I got it for a very reasonable price from a gentleman I regularly do business, so I had agreed to purchase it sight unseen, as he assured me it was in "very good" condition. Well it turns out it's not in "very good" condition, it's in NIB condition, which presents me with a dilemma.

I bought it to shoot it, as I find the shorty lever actions a real hoot, but considering the fate of Winchester, and the condition of this example, I'm wondering if I should just toss her in the safe for twenty years and see what the market looks like.

Personally, I'm leaning towards "Shoot the hell out of it" which is what I decided to do with a mint Camp 9 I got earlier this year (BTW, that stock recoil buffer didn't last 100 rounds, good thing I had the aftermarket piece handy), however I'm always looking for input.

So, save it? Shoot it? Whaddya think?

 

[thunder173]

Me,..I shoot the hell out of both my Camp 9 AND my 94 Trapper....Can't take money with ya, ya know,...the kids can have them after I am gone. They'll still be worth a lot more than I paid for either of them.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Since you can't trust yourself send it to me and I'll keep it safe for 20 years.


but just so you know, I'll have to shoot it.

 

[fungusmunkey]

An Angle Eject is unlikely to hold value like a pre 64 or pre-tang safety.

So just shoot it and enjoy it.

Those 16" trappers are really really handy.

 

[Maverick223]

I get guns to shoot, not necessarily used for hunting, and never abused. I refuse to own one that I refuse to shoot...but that's just me.

 

[Noxx]

That's about what I expected. I'm going to go with my gut, tool up the SDB for .44, and invest in cantaloupes.

 

[Maverick223]

Amen!

 

[DRYHUMOR]

There are millions and millions of them out there, might as well enjoy it how you want.

 

[pink_talon]

That Win '94AE Trapper .44 Mag is the handiest long arm I own. The recoil is a simple thud and you can laugh smugly at things people say about the power of their Model 29s Shooting off a bench gives impressively small group sizes at 100 yds. I had fun chronographing loads which were 1200-1400 out of my Dan Wesson. Yes the trigger is not your expensive match, but I just don't see the problem, compressed surprised break - no worse than a Browning P35 w/ the mag safety still in! Have fun.

Oh, and I'm dying to try a MagSafe on a cantaloupe!

 

[chevyforlife21]

the trapper is a semi rare model. and it may be worth something becuse thats from before winchester rac initially shut down, and i heard that fn might have mirouku of japan start makin them. but since your gun is american that might make it worth alot in 20 years since they are no longer made here in the usa. i think you got a dilema.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Shoot that thing (I guess.) I don't have a .357 Trapper but I do have this .44 magnum 16" barreled 94AE with the factory big loop lever and saddle ring. I forget what they called it...Wrangler or something similar maybe?

I shoot it...too handy not to.

 

[AH-1]

mine in 45 colt

 

[DPris]

FN/Winchester is having new '94s built by Miroku & trying to get them out in 2010. They'll be offered in more limited versions than previously.
Denis

 

[one45auto]

I've got a Winchester Model 94AE in .357 Magnum and have had it for almost ten years. It's my favorite rifle, hands down. I even ordered and installed a large loop lever. I'll have to take some pics soon and post them.

 

[Sawyer Bar]

I bought the 94 AE in 30-30 last year to go with my collection of levers and I love it. Some say they're cheap but they are, as someone here said, a 'hoot to shoot."

Shoot your rifle as 20 years is a long way off. The way things are going your ammo will be worth more than the rifle in 20 years.

 

[qajaq59]

That's about what I expected. I'm going to go with my gut, tool up the SDB for .44, and invest in cantaloupes.

Sounds like a plan...........