Winchester 94 Help

[AR27]

Hi all, I am looking into buying a Winchester 94 and know zip about them. One that I am looking at has a serial number 3770xxx. It is advertised at good condition. What should I look for and what would be a fair price? Any info is appreciated. Also is this a pre 64' ? Also it is a 30-30

 

[az_imuth]

Best I can tell, the 94 you're referring to was made in 1971. I also have one in the same (3770xxx) range and called Winchester for the manufacture date some time ago.

As for quality of this vintage, the mechanics seem to be fine and mine is plenty accurate, but the metal finish is pretty poor. Even though I kept mine clean and coated with a thin coat of oil it still managed to get those tiny little rust spots all over the reciever. The barrel bluing seems better for some reason and it never rusted at all. Could be that it was just a fluke thing, but none of my other firearms had this problem.

On the pricing, I see the post-64 models in good-very good condition for around $250 and on up to about $400 for minty condition.

 

[GuysModel94]

I have a 1972 and a 74, they are both good shooters. az imuth is right about the receiver finish, my understanding is the alloy used doesn't blue well. IMO if the price is under $400.- your getting a good deal. Some on the forum are real post-64 bashers, they are entitled to their opinion, i just happen to disagree.

 

[AR27]

thanks az imuth and guysmodel94, I really appreciate it.

 

[Lakedaemonian]

Winchester 94's are legendary. Some of the best are made before 1964 (when Olin bought Winchester) As long as its chambered in 30-30 it will work well for you. Some of the post 64 model 94s have been chamberd in pistol cartridges. The 94 was not designed for a pistol cartridge and is inherently doomed from the start.

 

[Byron]

My all time favorite rifle.It carries well balanced in the hand.The 30-30 is adequate for most deer hunting. Byron

 

[natman]

Winchester 94's are legendary. Some of the best are made before 1964 (when Olin bought Winchester)

Olin bought Winchester in the 30's. In the sixties it was becoming too expensive to machine the guns as they had for years. In 1964 they changed to new manufacturing methods to lower costs. Unfortunately, they went too far and the quality suffered.

 

[Byron]

It seems it was the early 70's the parts were milled again. I have one made about 75 and one about 95 and both are well crafted and accurate. Byron

 

[Lakedaemonian]

Originally Posted by Lakedaemonian
Winchester 94's are legendary. Some of the best are made before 1964 (when Olin bought Winchester)

Olin bought Winchester in the 30's. In the sixties it was becoming too expensive to machine the guns as they had for years. In 1964 they changed to new manufacturing methods to lower costs. Unfortunately, they went too far and the quality suffered.

My mistake, I worded that incorrectly. Its still Olin's fault though. haha

 

[grubbylabs]

I have one in .444 and it is a great gun. I would not hesitate to buy another.

 

[CeilingCat]

I have a pre-64 chambered in 30-30 that's near perfect. I put a box through it and it shot great. The only problem is that I'm not a big lever gun person. I can see why people like them so much. I do have it listed in the classifieds but the price is very negotiable.