Winchester Model 94 .45 LC question

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cibach

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I was out at my local gun shop yesterday and ran across a Model 94 in a 45 LC. I have always wanted a lever action rifle, thought they were neat. Can someone help me identify it and what it might be worth. I know it has a large loop and it said Model 94 AE on the barrel, and of course .45 LC...

I did notice that it had a shorter barrell maybe 16"??? It had a safety and a saddle loop of some sort on the side of the rifle.

Searching GOOGLE came up with the Wrangler model but I can't find anything about it..
Any help would to identify this rifle and it's value would be great...

thanks in advance
 
What's it worth?

Not much.

I can't give you specifics on that model. I can tell you that Winchester 94's and pistol length cartridges like the .45 Colt do not tend to get along well together. The Winchester 94 action was designed for longer cartridges, and tends to become a jam-o-matic when modified to handle shorter cartridges like the .45 Colt. The Winchester 94 is a great rifle in .30-30 and similar chamberings, but is terrible in .45 Colt.

The major market for pistol caliber lever actions these days in the cowboy action crowd. Despite the popularity of the Winchester 94 for hunting, however, you almost never see them at cowboy action matches, precisely because they are so clunky and unreliable in pistol calibers. In addition, that short 16" barrel would result in a mag capacity of perhaps 8 rounds, which isn't enough for cowboy action.

Before FNH announced that it was ending production of the model 94 and other models earlier this year, .45 Colt model 94's were selling new for under $300. I helped a buddy sell his like-new Winchester 94 in .45 Colt at a gunshow for $225 just a few years ago. They may have gone up in price temporarily because of the end of production, but I still would be shocked if that rifle fetched more that $400-500.

Incidentally, the big loop lever is also a joke. The big loops do not work well at all. The only reason to have one is that you think it looks "cool" because The Duke had one on his Winchester model 1892 in several movies.

If you want a pistol caliber lever action rifle, get a Marlin. It's a much better rifle in many ways.
 
Thanks for the reply.. he is asking a little bit less than 300$... I didn't realize that they ahd problems with the shorter cartridges.. I have been doing some searching and haven't found anyone stating that.. but I trust input.. How much would a 94 in a 30-30 run???
 
Where are you at? Since Winchester closed down the model 94s sellers are asking a lot more for them. I would buy that one at under $300 IF it was in good condition.

Check gunbroker.com and you will see that they are asking a lot more for them. I'm sure its the collectors that are running up the pricesense they used to go on sale in California at big 5 for around $320.

The 16' barrelled model is called the trapper - you can still see them on the second page of the model 94s on the winchester site.
 
I am in the Dallas Texas area... the gun is used but it is in EXCELLENT condition... I went out and looked at it again this evening ... it is the WRANGLER model the Trapper on the 2nd page is only a .357 Mag it looks like. This one also has the large loop on it. With it being a used gun and I know the owner of the store I was able to run several rounds thru the gun tonight.. it didn't jam once ... He also had a standard 94 in 30-30 I would say it was about 95% condition it had the side mounted scope on it.... so I picked it up also... got both guns for 500$...
 
model 94's aren't 'jam o matics'..

well,to some extent depending on cartridge lenght,but the reason they aren't seen much in cowboy shooting is the long compound lever throw.The shooters who want top scores want FAST rifles,and the winny in general just ain't that fast even when 'smithed.I have a 94 in .357 which is VERY accurate,but not slick and fast. I think with the right ammo you'll enjoy the heck out of yor new 'toys'.
 
My 14 year old son recently bought himself a brand new 44mag 94AE. It's a blast to shoot and is very accurate. About 500 rounds so far, and not a single hang-up. I personally love the pistol ammo Winchesters.
 
$300 is VERY good price for that 94. I recently picked up a 94 AE in 45 LC from a good friend for around that. Very good guns and the action is built for larger calibers so you shoot all the Buffalo Bore and Double Tap "Ruger Only" hot stuff you want. If you like it I'd go for it. There is something undeniably handy about a 16" bbl big bore levergun.
 
I just wiped down my Model 94 in 30.30

I just wiped down my Winchester Model 94 in 30.30. It was made in 1963. Shoots great, has killed MANY deer. :) I paid $30.00 for it. :D
 
For whatever it's worth, I have a 94 in 45colt and have never had any problems with jamming. For $300 I'd buy another.

JMO

C
 
I have a 45 LC Trapper. Doesnt have a big loop. I dont remember what I paid for it.
I can shoot it all day long with no problems. Bullet goes through the same hole!
I have shot some real ugly unjacketed reloads out of it with no problems.
For hiking, I would carry this rifle with hard cast bullets over most anything!
 
I agree my 45 LC has never given me any problems I would love to find another one for the price I bought this one for
 
Just got my wife a 94 w/ 24" barrel in .45 Colt for a plinker (birthday). Got her some cowboy ammo to start with, but what is the safe upper limit for these rifles?

Is the +p 300 grain stuff too much for them? It seems most places sell two levels of .45colt, cowboy low-recoil, and +P hunting loads.
 
I've owned a couple of Trappers over the years, both in 44mag and 45Colt. Never once had any issue with any of them feeding, jambing, or shooting well. They are fun little rifles. The .44mag is more pleasant to shoot using .44 Special loads, and was always more accurate with them for me. The 45 Colt with lead bullets shoots like the .44 Special. The hotter loads in both do thump you a bit.

The one I currently have is in .45Colt. No large loop (which probably would not be hard to replace if it bugs you), and mine is pre safety. I replaced the rear sight with ghost ring, and added an old K98 sling. I paid $250 for the rifle a few years ago. It was used, but you'd never have known it, and they could have sold it for new.

ry%3D480.jpg
 
I have a .44 Mag Trapper/Wrangler that I bought new in 1994. Never had one problem with it, feeds slick and shoots straight.
I would by that .45 without batting an eye.

IMG_6144.jpg
 
The only load I shoot is a 240gr JFP over a max dose of H110 and a Federal primer. Thats all I load for my .44s and they seem to like it.
 
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