Photos
I apologize for the photos; as good as the iPhone is, it's not a substitute for a real camera.
I settled on the older Winchester. After cycling the action on both and shaking them both at the suggestion of the gentleman I was trading with, I wanted the older gun. The bore on the 1940s gun is every bit as good as the bore on the newer gun - which was very good.
I don't doubt that the 1970s model 94s are good guns, I've hunted with and shot a few. However, I had never handled a pre-64 until today. The difference is immeasurable in regard to the smoothness and tightness of the action.
The quality of the old guns versus the new ones is, on some level, very sickening. I understand why Winchester made the switch from forged to stamped, but knowing the difference now makes all the difference.
I can live with the extra screw holes and the worn bluing and the so-so peep sight. It will sit in my trunk and be carried in the field/woods for deer season and see moderate use I wouldn't subject a pristine Model 94 to.