Winchester 94 from a Pawn Shop

[JesusCow]

Today I went to four pawn shops looking for rifles. At the first one I went to they had a 3 model 94s. All over priced of course, and the nicest one, he could sell for $140 without a rear sight. The others were just too nasty. This mexican had a Savage 110 for ~$270 with a horrible scope on it, OK wood stock. He said a few times "this one has nice sights!" I think it was .30-06.

So, I went to the pawn shop accross the street and didn't see any firearms. I asked the clerk and he said they were in the back but he could show some to me. I waited for him to bring out a "lever action rifle" and he brought me out a bolt action rifle. I don't recall looking at the name. I told him to bring me out a lever action rifle and for some reason he understood the second time... Anyways, this one was missing the front sight, no scope, and no plate on the end of the butt. Priced at $250, he asked his boss and she said $200 was the lowest.

I went to the pawn shop about 1/8th a mile down from this one and they didn't have any firearms.

Finally, I scooted about a mile down the road to the next shop. This one was called Mustang Pawn or something. I noticed 2 ARs behind the counter and walked up to the counter where the guns were. I noticed a few REALLY beat up Llamas for $250 and a few other decent pistols, all over-priced. I saw about 8 model 94s or Marlins. I couldn't spend too much and I saw the cheapest one for $189. Good sights, horrible finish on the receiver (but OK with me) and rust on the end of the barrel. This one had the best bore out of the other ones I looked at. I also saw they had a Winchester model 74 .22LR. I have one (production 1944-45) and wanted to get it for a good deal. I asked to see it and he immidiately showed me that the tube-magazine was gone. Priced at $149! I thought about it and decided to get both the 94 and the 74. I offered 200 including sales tax for both rifles and the younger guy accepted within a few seconds.

I checked the serial numbers and the 94 was produced post 1985 (edit: misread serial number, production is 1973-74). The model 74 is 1949.

I went ahead and took some pictures of the model 94. Seems to operate well enough, cycled some rounds crisply. The model 74 recoil spring is significantly tighter than the one of my first mode 74.

What, if anything, can be done about the cosmetics of the receiver? And I noticed Cabelas has $60 stocks for it. Any other sources? The one on there is alright, but makin it real nice wouldn't feel bad.

Pictures are all 640x480
Model 94 - bullet in the end of the barel
Model 94 - left receiver
Model 94 - right receiver
Model 94 - serial number
Model 94 - end of barrel

edit: Also, what [can I do] about the rust in the barrel? It looks good looking down it, just seems to have rust near the end of the barrel... I'm about to run something through it.

edit: I removed the front sight "hood" because I didn't like the look of it. Can someone educate me on these? How do the pre/post 1964 rifles differ?

edit: And what about a disassembly manual? I'd like to check it out thoroughly before fireing it (if not too difficult).

 

[JesusCow]

does no one have anything to say?

i cleaned the barrel and got most of the rust off. i used about 12 patches before they stopped coming out heavily darkened

i want to shoot it tomorrow, i'd like to disassemble it though..

it's hard to see what it really looks like until you take a picture of it!

here are 2 new pictures of the barrel's end:
cleaned barrel 1
cleaned barrel 2

 

[ScottS]

Depending on what you're going to use it for, and how much you're willing to spend, you might have it refinished. It's not something with collector value. Try Mac's Shootin' Iron Restorations. http://www.shootiniron.com He's refinished 4-5 guns for me, and he specializes in rusty ones. His work is reasonably priced, and his workmanship and customer service are second to none. Be a great brush/truck gun when it's done.

Scott

 

[redneck2]

For the bore, I'd try Flitz or Rem-Clean or a patch...OK, a lot of patches.

 

[JesusCow]

thanks for the comments and suggestions!

went to wal-mart last night and got some gun oil, Isso bore cleaner (paste) and 200 patches

once i ran a bunch of that through there it just kept getting shinier and shinier. i might just have to go to the range and see if it works and how accurate it shoots.

edit: i dont think i made it clear that this is basically just a hunting/plinking gun. my greatest caiber was a .22 until now. i am going to kill some deer once i shoot some paper first.

also, one thing i noticed was if you're putting the hammer down and release the trigger too early the hammer will not seat fully. is this how it functions or is something out of alignment/loose? all screws tight. this isn't a problem for me, but i'd like to know if it indicates damage/defection

edit: oops, i mis-read the serial number. made 1973-74

 

[Hutch]

Sounds like in lowering the hammer you're setting it on the half-cock notch. No worries, mate.

 

[JesusCow]

Sounds like in lowering the hammer you're setting it on the half-cock notch. No worries, mate.

thanks, glad i asked.. here's a pic of me with it

edit: also, if i got it refinished, would parkerizing be an option? my local gunsmith has it listed as services he does, but is there any reason not to do it to a 94?

 

[RatFink]

if i got it refinished, would parkerizing be an option?

Of course it would, it just depends on what you want to use it for, must mostly what you find attractive.

IMHO Park has a slight advantage in protection over bluing, but it's you that has to live with a flat black/grey finish instead of a shiny or bead blasted Blued finish.

 

[WonderNine]

You're gonna really want a recoil pad after putting a few rounds through it.

I got a 94 either 74' or 76' production, I can't remember. It's got a pachmayer recoil pad, wide hammer extention and 9 round ammo sleeve on the stock. I hate how there's so many neglected, beat up ones out there. They're nice guns and should've been treated with more respect. I also think I'm gonna get a Butler Creek padded sling for it to replace the leather one.

Also recommend a lever wrap to save on your knuckles.

I got a black one with no frills, but I'm thinking of getting a tanned leather one with lacing instead.

 

[JesusCow]

i just got back from the 100 yard indoor range and i shot 20 rounds slowly (from a rest), adjusted the rear sight once. concluded that it needs a scope. it seems accurate, but i am not using the iron sights properly...

can someone point me to a nice mount?

here are my targets boy does it kick hard

 

[hboy35]

nice rifle

I have a soft spot in my heart for old 94's too. Got a couple in the safe. I heard way back (could be wrong) that those recievers on the mod 94s are an alloy that will not readily take blueing the same as the original finish blue. My advice, either 1)fine steel wool it till it is more even (which means taking off existing finish-which will remove any protection) and may/may not look better and then live with it, 2)experiment reblueing yourself with a cold blue (which may turn out worse than the way it looks now--no offense, but it is tricky) or 3) leave it the way it is and enjoy it.

Here is my advice (and it is worth just how much you paid for it): When you go shopping for a 94, or any rifle, keep in mind: Do you want to spend $80-$100 more for the rifle for one in excellent condition, or do you want to save money originally by buying a fixerupper, and wind up spending more in the long run? Tough call. I have a fixer upper in my safe, and an excellent one beside it. I can't even take my own advice.

Nice to hear a fellow THRer here in Austin. If you want to save some $$, check out Austin Rifle Club to save on range fees, and have a great place to shoot.

 

[JesusCow]

I have never heard of the Austin Rifle Club

Up until now, with the exception of choking my Saiga 20ga, I haven't put much money into any of my few guns. I don't know how much fixing up I am going to do to this rifle. I've never had a gun refinished, but would consider it. Although, as you suggested, I would rather buy a nice condition rifle and go from there.

A friend of mine attemptted to blue some rifles and it didn't look great (better than my specks though), so I'd know what to expect if I went that route. I really like this park look/feel and just might end up doing that next paycheck (unless I go buy another $100 rifle). We'll see, I might have the urge to save some more neglected rifles.

Overall, I like this rifle (my first big caliber) and can't wait to shoot it again. I would like to get a scope mount for it and see how accurate it is. What are my options (side-mount, long eye relief)?

edit: i like this Marble's rear apature sight, does anyone have one of these? what about an online vendor?
http://www.marblesoutdoors.com/sights/peep.html

 

[Penman]

Brownell's will have many aperture sights that can be installed by an competence gunsmith. You might try that first before going to a scope. The aperture sights will maintain the clean lines and handling of the gun, as well as improving your accuracy.

 

[David4516]

I wouldn't put a scope on it for a number of reasons...

1: The 94 is about the most "handy" rifle you'll ever find, but putting a scope on it will change that...

2: There's not really any good way to put a scope on a 94 anyway, either its going to be off to the side or it's going to be way up front...

3: Lever guns with scopes look funny...

4: Most improtantly, it's good to learn to use iron sights. Just put in some practice and you'll improve in no time...

Don't worry about "accuracy" from a lever gun. Lever guns are not made to be super accurate anyway. If you want and accurate gun with a scope, bolt action is probably the best way to go.

Edited to add:

And don't worry about the recoil. You will get used to it. Just make sure that the rifle is pressed firmly into your sholder when you're shooting. Compared to most rifles, the Winchester has a pretty light recoil.

If it still bothers you, you can try lighter loads. And if you reload, you can make really light loads. I made a batch with 110 gr bullets, and they don't kick much more than a .22

 

[JesusCow]

David, thanks for the educated and logical comments. I had been searching around for a good scope mount and found none.

I strongly prefer using iron sights, however, on my Winchester the rear sight is a little round on the edges (kinda like a "heart" shape, a little bulky for my taste). I do not like these and have thought about dremelling it down flat, or having the rear sight replaced ($$$) (the front sight seems fine now that I removed the "hood"). I like the way the Marble's sight has an apature rear sight, rather than the larger ghost ring on the other brands (which I do not prefer).

So, unless anyone has other options for sights, (maybe like a cheap, simple rear notch type sight) please inform me!

If my description of my rear sight isn't detailed enough I can get a picture later. Other 94s I looked at had different style rear sights and hooded/non-hooded front sights.

I will not shed a tear putting my dremel on the rear sight. I've never tried any fluorescent paint, but how does it compare to the clear "fiber optic" stuff (as a cheaper alternative to high-visibility/low-light shooting)?

Thanks for all suggestions and comments, this is my new favorite rifle, although my 10/22 wasnt much competition, I can shoot it straighter. As soon as I get the chance I am going to put some more rounds through it.

What about ammo? I bought and shot one box of 20 Remington 170gr. Core-lokt rounds for ~$9.45 a box including tax ($8.99+tax). Where is the cheapest .30-30 No Wolf? Don't they make .30 carbine? Why do they make .30 carbine and not .30-30?

Anyways, 5 'o clock, I'm outta here!

 

[Archie]

JC, that finish is called....

"Cowboy patina". It gives the old darling some character. Use a little very fine steel wool to remove the active rust and then keep it lightly oiled. The spots will not effect the function.

Check Brownell's website for alternatives to the rear sight. Most can be installed by ordinary folks with a brass drift and a small hammer. They don't cost an arm and a leg.

You may want to start reloading now. Both for savings and also to make ammo you can shoot easily, like lighter bullet loads.

Go ahead with the recoil pad. The 94 is a light rifle and kicks like bejeebers. Unless you have to prove your manhood by beating your shoulder silly, a recoil pad is a truly comforting addition. Also, it keeps the butt from sliding around on your shoulder, which is a good thing for accurate shooting.

Good rifle, all in all. It will do lots of things if you can do your part.

 

[Stickjockey]

So, unless anyone has other options for sights, (maybe like a cheap, simple rear notch type sight) please inform me!

Get yourself a tang-mounted aperture ("peep") sight like a Lyman #2. Works just like a "ghost ring" type shotgun or pistol sight. Much easier to use than the leaf type and doesn't cut down on the handiness of the rifle like a scope would.

Dixie Gun Works sells them, or you can get them at gunshows.

 

[BusMaster007]

Oh, boy...now you get to make a choice about what to do to your new prize!
Here's my story:

This is MY late Dad's '68-'69 Model 94 refinished in matte blue with a Ram-Line synthetic stock and Lyman #2 sight.
Also added were the Winchester large-loop lever and Uncle Mike's bbl. band swivel.
I had the factory lever and buttplate for the wood done in matte blue for when I get the wood refinished.
It's pretty sharp looking in real time with the different color of the receiver against the matte bluing.
Truly shocking is that I received from my Step Brother in the same week - HIS Dad's pre-'64 ('50-'51) Model 94 !!! It remains in original condition other than the sight hood being replaced. Nice rifles.

As described in the other photo description, this is a '50-'51 version of the Model 94 that belonged to my Step-Dad.
His Son gave it to me in the same week I got my Dad's gun from an old family friend.
Talk about a shockingly good week!

The OTHER lever gun in the family? The Marlin 1895 in .45-70!

Initial setup with Redfield JR base/low rings and 2-7 Widefield scope.
Planning on a 'DRC' large-loop lever and going with the Redfield Widefield 1.75-5x20 scope and a Brownells Latigo 1 1/4" tan sling.
Plus a new LimbSaver buttpad. Then I can shoot STOKED loads...