Author Topic: Winchester 94 Pack Rifle (Read 1340 times)

Prince of Wales · « **on:** April 08, 2004, 10:24:17 AM »

I`m looking at a Win Pack rifle in 44 mag. Seems like a good combination of features (excluding the cross bolt safety). How will the 44 mag compare to the 30/30 in killing power @ 75 yrds? Thanks. POW

John Y Cannuck · « **Reply #1 on:** April 08, 2004, 03:04:51 PM »

At 75 yards, they will be near equals IMHO. The 44 may even have an advantage.

Coltrane · « **Reply #2 on:** April 08, 2004, 03:31:16 PM »

I own one of the first Packer 94s in 44 Mag that came available in my area. It is a very practical and comfortable gun to carry and shoot.

My first attempts of cast bullets were a commercial reload of a standard 240gr lswc. Looked like a shotgun pattern at 25 yds. Switched to jacketed
and have never looked back. Groups are 5 shot under 2 inches at 100 yds.

I did have a problem with the front sight drifting to the right under fire, causing my groups to widen. Rather than pin it or secure it with JB Weld, I scoped it with a Swift 2-7x40 rifle scope. Groups immediately shrank and stayed together.

I load 240gr Hornady XTPs under 19.8 grs of Accurate #9, a Win large Primer, and assorted cases. I do separate the cases by manufacturer when loading, but have not seen or had any issues with high pressure.

My recommendation? Get the gun. You won't be sorry with it. The Winchester 240gr JSP load from Wal-Mart is grouping the same as my load and it hits to the same point of impact. I love my Packer and will make it a keeper.

Everything I went through with it and then finding a solution to the problem only makes me prouder of it.

Hope this helps.

Coltrane

Castaway · « **Reply #3 on:** April 09, 2004, 05:39:42 AM »

I know the traditionalists abhor the cross bolt safety, but for me, I prefer it to the new tang mounted safety which prevents a tang mounted sight on the rifle which I consider a major factor because of the longer sight radius it affords.

Prince of Wales · « **Reply #4 on:** April 09, 2004, 08:56:32 AM »

Thanks guys . All good points. You make me want this rifle even more than before. I too like the tang apperature and would consider the cross bolt safety a reasonable trade in order to have it.
The piece reminds me very much of a Win 71 carbine in appearance. It seems to have that traditional look that I fail to see in the Legacy models.
I have a Marlin 62 in 357 Mag now so I did not take any convincing to persuade me that a handgun round can get the job done. In a lever gun the old 30/30 is the standard so I asked for that comparison. Again, thanks. POW

DzrtRat · « **Reply #5 on:** April 09, 2004, 09:11:31 AM »

Check the Marbles tang sights. I have a Win '92 with the tang safety, and I remember seeing a Marbles tang sight in a MidwayUSA catalog that is said to fit my rifle with the tang safety.

I haven't tried it yet, but I know that Marbles makes good quality stuff. That one just may be in the future for my rifle.

Not sure if they make it for the .94, but it might be worth checking into.

~Rat

Castaway · « **Reply #6 on:** April 09, 2004, 10:09:01 AM »

For what it's worth, I had a Lyman on my Trapper and gave it away for a Marbles sight. The Lyman had a side-side wiggle when extended that didn't help accuracy a bit. The Marble on other hand is rock solid and even has windage adjustment.

Prince of Wales · « **Reply #7 on:** April 12, 2004, 11:42:39 AM »

Coltrane do you have a photo of that pack rifle with the scope on it? I`d like to see it if you do. Thanks. POW

Coltrane · « **Reply #8 on:** April 26, 2004, 09:03:57 AM »

I don't have a picture of it but I am trying to figure out how to post pictures on the internet. Funny how I can detail strip and re-assemble a .45 Auto but can't work a dang camera! :shock:

As soon as I can, I will try to post to Hunt101.com.

My login is Coltrane, password is Mauser. You can look in my gallery when my wife the photographer can try to donwnload it in her free time.

Sorry I haven't resonded till now. Working nights takes my brain and turns it into tapioca. I should be asleep right now instead of playing on this computer!

Prince of Wales · « **Reply #9 on:** April 27, 2004, 09:19:30 AM »

Thanks Coltrane. Let us know when photos are available. Get some rest. POW

Prince of Wales · « **Reply #10 on:** May 03, 2004, 07:14:41 AM »

Castaway do you know if the Marbels tang sight is available for the pistol grip Winchesters such as the pack rifle and the M-64? Those listed here so far are for straight grip . I know that the Lyman #2 is not made for pistol grip models but don`t know about the Marbels. I have a 64 that I want a tang peep on. Best of luck. POW

Ganjiro · « **Reply #11 on:** May 04, 2004, 11:24:02 AM »

As far as performance on game i've hunted with both 170 gr. 30-30, and 240 gr. .44 mag loads, and I have found the .44 mag superior in performance. They both work well but with my .44 mag I have never had to track a animal, or shoot more than one round, they have dropped like being hit by lighting. This includes wild boar over 300 pounds. You will be amazed at the performance of this round from a rifle.

VictorLouis · « **Reply #12 on:** May 04, 2004, 01:02:37 PM »

IIRC, www.cdnninvestments.com was blowing out the Pack Rifles at $299(?). You have to CALL THEM to find out about any GUNS, however. :roll:

Prince of Wales · « **Reply #13 on:** May 06, 2004, 07:05:56 AM »

I called. They have none left to sell. Thanks. POW

Cabin4 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 14, 2004, 06:28:10 AM »

I believe the 44mag out of a lever gun under 100yards with the correct bullet choice is a superior killer over the 30-30.

Anytime you can use a wider & heaver bullet, in theory you gain killing power. Bullet choice however is critical when using the 44mag.