I have an old Model 94 that I would like to referb back into shooting shape. It is from around 1900 and has been in my family since it's purchase.

Here is my question - Should I spend the time/money on this to be able to use it again or leave it alone? It's not in the best of cosmetic shape but still has good lever action - from what I have been told, it was a working gun early in it's life. I am not interested (to much) in the value of this as it's story means more to me that the $$$.

If I do decide to referb, should I seek a "specialist" in this generation of rifle or should any decent gunsmith be able to work on this.

Any input here would be appreciated.

More info. needed to answer your question. What is the date of manufacture and caliber?? If your '94 is not too old and works by chambering a round, and if the shape of the barrel & rifling is okay, then a qualified Gunsmith should be able to restore it, if that is what you wish.

Have it checked out and if it is sound, just use it. Has a history.

Cosmetics have nothing to do with how it shoots, and how useful it may be.

Beauty "is" as beauty "does" - I'd shoot the snot out of it and enjoy it for what it is.

If it has something actually broken, like a sight or a stock, repair or replace it & get to shootin'.



.

__________________
Feed a starving man a fish & he will eat for a day - Teach the man how to fish & he will never starve again.

Preliminary research puts it at 1899 (working on the Cody info now). It's a 30-30 rifle.

It most likely has the caliber: .30 WCF stamped on the barrel. Probably need to check the various internal parts like trigger parts & springs to make sure they are in good shape. New wood would be easy enough to find too.

I'm new here to this forum. But I've collected and shot JMB designed winchester leverguns for 25 years. When you say you want to refurbish this old war horse I cringe. If it's broken,then by all means,fix it. But in my opinion I would never consider rebluing it or replacing the wood. I'm an old school collector/shooter,and that's just wrong on many levels,in my opinion.
Thanks for your time,
Yz125 x

yz125x - I agree 100% with you. All I am looking to do is get this rifle back into shooting condition only. All of the nicks, dents, scratches and whatnot are some of the appealing factors of it.

Have it checked out by a competent gunsmith and getting the OK, get some ammo and go shoot! I've got a 32-40 Win M94 that was made in 1897 that I shoot with both cast and jacketed handloads. Lots of fun!

__________________
NRA Benefactor Member
NRA Certified Police Firearms Instructor
NRA Certified Range Safety Officer
NAHC Life Member

"Firearms only have two enemies - rust and politicans" author unknown

Kdub, we think alike.Shooting these old rifles is most of the fun of having them,I think. When you know she's good,blast away.
Thanks for your time,
Yz125x

Back in the 1970's, I owned a Winchester Model 94 in .44 Magnum. This rifle was interesting to shoot but it had a nasty recoil more so than one in .30-30.

Serious.......a .44 Magnum had more recoil than a .30-30...?...

Terry

YEP!! I currently own a Ruger Model 77/.44 Magnum, which I bought several years after my '94 Winchester purchase. I also had a Remington Model 788 bolt action in .30-30 Win. and compared, the recoil produced by my Ruger or even the Winchester Model 94; the "Felt" recoil was a bit heavier in my Ruger & Winchester, then my Remington M-788 using 170 grain factory loads.