Winchester Model 94

Is it me or is the MSRP a little on the steep side?

JD338
 
Yeah, a whole bunch on the steep side. I have a hard time justifying over about $500 on an M94.
 
Kurt,

Thanks for the sanity check. I was thinking sub $500 myself for a post '64 but then I haven't looked at any either.
If I were to get a serious bug for a 94, it would be a Big Bore 94 in 375 Win.

JD338
 
No, I won't be buying one anytime soon. They are more expensive than the 1886 chambered in 45-70, and it has more appeal to me.
 
JD338":3b7rhmeb said:
If I were to get a serious bug for a 94, it would be a Big Bore 94 in 375 Win.

JD338
Click to expand...

.375 would be a nice one to have, along with a .356 (assuming Mike hasn't scooped them all up). I just like the history behind the .38-55. All would be fun to play with. I even kinda want to pick up a .32 Winchester Special.
 
I am glad they are putting out a 450 Marlin though and from the description, it sounds like a nice rifle. They are pretty spendy though. Saying that, if you get a chance to handle any of the new ones, in your local store, I am thinking you would be impressed, the fit and finish is WAY above what Marlin is putting out right now. Not saying they are worth 2X as much, but quality does count for something.
 
The Winchester 94 is a more complex mechanism then the Model 1886/Model 92 Winchester. The Model 94 was "value engineered" to death by Winchester in 1964 which gave it another 41 years of production life at relatively high production volumes on an existing New Haven production line which had been amortised over a period of 100 years and over 6 million plus units. Additionally, Winchester and USRAC used MIMs parts and sheet or powder metal parts for cartridge carriers and other internal parts which are probably presently being made, more expensively, in steel on machining centers by the Japanese. Winchester also ruined the lines with side ejection and a redundent safety.

I was always surprised at how cheaply the Pre-64 Model 94's were selling especially when compared with the older models which are more simple in fit and construction than a Model 94 is. While we had it, many did not appreciate it for what it was which is a marvel of US ingenuity and manufacturing excellence. Now that we will have to pay full measure for one that is all steel, maybe the older models will be more appreciated.

I always liked the 1894 Winchester and at one time owned a dozen model variants of the various permutations that were made between 1894 and 1964. I just gave a (1947) Model 94 in .32 WS to my oldest son at Christmas. I hope that he keeps it and cherishes it as long as I owned it before him. That is why he has it instead of my other sons, who would just sell it to go to Las Vegas or some such foolishness. I paid $225 for it in 1972 in nearly new condition and hunted with it as a camp gun for nearly 40 years. However, it does not look much different now then it did when I bought it.

WinchesterMod94.jpg
 
I still have five Model 94s in my safe; and I'm always looking for another. However, I'm hesitant to pay that amount for a 450 Marlin, though I might consider paying that for another .356.
 
The problem is, DrMike, that we a post-industrial culture now and getting further "post" all the time. Except for my astigmatism issues, I would still own all 12 of the Model 94's, 64's, 55's, Deluxe's, etc that I had once. No one will ever make another Model 94 in this country again. Maybe the Italian's or Brazilian's will import a clone if there is enough interest.

I had a Japan made (Miroku) Model 92, .45 Colt, Trapper model which was a short run in 2001 of 300 guns. It looked and felt like a Model 92 Winchester, except for the wood which was not American Black Walnut. It was not the same however and I never could get past that "Made in Japan" feeling with it. It just never got my loyalty. I also had a special run Model 94 Trapper Custom Shop rifle (100 guns) in .45 Colt (16 inch barrel) which I sold to Cabela's Boise and have been kicking myself ever since.

I guess just hang unto the ones that you have and buy any others that you want while you can still afford or find them to buy for a decent price. I am going to assure that my son keeps his as he really likes them and has wanted an older one for years.
 
DrMike":2ehzifd7 said:
No, I won't be buying one anytime soon. They are more expensive than the 1886 chambered in 45-70, and it has more appeal to me.
Click to expand...


I'll have to "amen" that remark !!!!!!!!!!!


Jim
 
Charlie,

I'm not turned off by the "Made in Japan" label, but the chamberings don't do much for me. I am not likely to jettison my current holdings (I actually had an approach about selling one yesterday and declined), and I keep my eyes open for another that might pop up, especially if it is priced reasonably. I may invest in a Model 86 this year as I would still enjoy a 45-70.
 
DrMike, I always wanted a Model 94 in either .38-55 or .375 Win, either one. Same case just some length difference but with handloading , they are nearly the same. I do not know why I wanted one? It probably will never happen now.

I have been considering selling my .340 Bee Alaskan, .30-06, Model 70 Grade II and .204 Ruger, CZ American. I guess if I did that, plus a couple or three of my revolvers. I could manage a .375 and have change left? n Maybe I could trade one of these for the .375 or .38-55?
 
I have a .375 (the second that I've owned), and I like it, though not as much as either the .356 or the .307. It does slam ham, however. For close in work with ill tempered beasts, it can deliver a wallop, which is the primary reason I have it. I do agree that the 38-55 would be an equally fine rifle. I had one in a Savage 99. Alas, I allowed it to slip away.
 
Mike,

If I ever run across a T/C Contender 14" barreled 375 Win, it will become the new deer handgun for hunting behind my house.
There is something mystical about the 375 Win.

JD338
 
BK, I would be happy to sell you the .340 but shipping to California is the issue? I don't think that my local dealer would even do it.
 
I'm an Oregon resident, just work in Kalifornia.

I was kinda joking... I'm pretty tight on cash right now.
 
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