Considering the purchsae of a Winchester 94 in either the Legacy or Trails End model. Either way, planning on 44magnum for the caliber. Any opinions on these models and caliber? Debating if the Legacy's 24" barrel is too long at 24" and I'll start robbing velocity from the bullet. Planned uses: hunting, running deer shoots, and general plinking. Caliber will match up with my hunting revolver, so I am already set up to reload.
Winchester 94 Opinions, Please
- Thread starter Jakes10mm
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six 4 sure
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If you’re already set up to reload the .44 I’d suggest sticking with that. Otherwise I would suggest the .45 Colt. I personally think the .45 is a superior round, but its potential isn’t realized unless you reload.
As far as barrel length, none of my four 94’s are over 20â€. I’m more partial to the 16†Trapper model. I think they are handier (definitely lighter) and I don’t think you give up that much velocity. Just remember pistol caliber lever guns have a limited range (100 yards or so) to begin with.
Again if you’re wanting a handy pistol/rifle combo stick with the .44. If not you can’t go wrong with a 30-30. It’s taken plenty of deer in the past 100 years and at $10 a box, isn’t that expensive to shoot even if you don’t reload.
If you’re buying new you might also want to consider an 1892 clone. Most don’t have the annoying safeties, and are the same price or cheaper than a trails end. For more info check out www.leverguns.com
six
As far as barrel length, none of my four 94’s are over 20â€. I’m more partial to the 16†Trapper model. I think they are handier (definitely lighter) and I don’t think you give up that much velocity. Just remember pistol caliber lever guns have a limited range (100 yards or so) to begin with.
Again if you’re wanting a handy pistol/rifle combo stick with the .44. If not you can’t go wrong with a 30-30. It’s taken plenty of deer in the past 100 years and at $10 a box, isn’t that expensive to shoot even if you don’t reload.
If you’re buying new you might also want to consider an 1892 clone. Most don’t have the annoying safeties, and are the same price or cheaper than a trails end. For more info check out www.leverguns.com
six
Poodleshooter
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Since you asked for opinions on the 94 in general, I don't really care for mine. It has an abysmal trigger, is not accurate until you tinker with the barrel bands or handload,the action is rough, and the rifle is difficult to disassemble fully for good cleaning. Ergonomics are so/so for me as well. I prefer the Marlin actions based on some passing familiarity with them (I've never owned one).
Nathanael_Greene
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I've got both, and I while I prefer the Marlin, the Model 94 (mine's in 30-30) is a great little rifle--light, handy, and all-American.
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