Author Topic: Should I buy this mod 94? Too much $ or a good deal? (Read 964 times)

STW · « **on:** December 28, 2004, 07:28:08 AM »

Looking at a 1980 model 94 (serial # if I remember right is 4955800) in 30-30 at a dealer where they want $219. It's a plain walnut with 20" barrel. I'm in Utah where where (I'd think) it should be easy to get rock bottom prices for non-collectable mod 94s.

The bad:
--a missing rear site-- the empty dovetail looks to be in good shape but havn't tried putting anything there.
--very slightly loose rear stock (that I can tighten, right?)
--no bluing on the receiver where it looks like prev. owner has tried to case color it. Doesn't look like bare metal but I can't tell whether I'd need new finish there or not--I don't mind the look of it as it is at all, and if it's protected as is then fine. But I'd want to price to reflect the uglification. (My Utah conditions are pretty easy on guns.)
--no angle ejection in case I ever want to use a scope on this beater/shooter. I don't plan on using a scope, and this gun wouldn't be for long shots, but it's a shooter so who knows. But then again, I shoot left handed and straight-up ejection is nice because it doesn't throw brass in my face (just down the back of my shirt collar

).

The good:
--no cross bolt safety
--very clean bore and looks like it's been shot very little if at all. Action is smooth and clean (for a post 64 anyway).
--nice walnut and finish. Nice clean blueing everywhere but the receiver.
--has fittings for a shoulder strap which I'd like for carrying in the woods and don't want to add to my pre-64

I already have a very nice pre 64 (1952) mod 94 in 30-30 that I find myself babying and I thought having a good knock-about shooter mod 94 would mean I'd be shooting more. Turns out I really like shooting (and paying for) 30-30 so I'd like another one. But I'd also thought of saving up for a mod. 1886 in 45-70 which I don't need and have never shot but want anyway. Should I let this shooter mod. 94 distract me from that goal, or is it better to have a mod. 94 I'll use and shoot than two rifles I don't shoot much.

Thanks for whater advice you've got.

clodbuster · « **Reply #1 on:** December 28, 2004, 12:42:38 PM »

I'm in Kansas City and would want a better post 64 94 carbine for that money. Don't know what your market is but seems like you should do better on the piece not on the price. Good luck Luv them 94's

MGMorden · « **Reply #2 on:** December 28, 2004, 01:42:52 PM »

A few weeks ago I found a 94AE that was in Mint shape (looked new out the box) for $200 at a local pawn shop. I'd keep looking if I were you. Heck I've heard of people in rural areas selling lever .30-30s for $100, but I've not run up on a deal that good myself yet

.

John Y Cannuck · « **Reply #3 on:** December 28, 2004, 02:43:12 PM »

Look some more, I picked up a 1948 '94 in good shape, for $225 CDN. That would be about $150 US at the time of purchase a couple of years ago.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #4 on:** December 28, 2004, 03:02:00 PM »

I haven't seen anything cheaper than $200 around here, and that's in fair condition.......

rvtrav · « **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2004, 04:34:48 PM »

STW,
If your close to the wasatch front many pawn shops around have good post '64s for around $150 or so.
Recently (Christmas holidays) I was at several stores in Utah county, one had five or six mod 94s of various manufacturing dates, all of them were under $200, and all of them were complete-shooters without missing parts.
Don't be in too big a hurry to purchase a 94, there's a lot around to look at and compare.
Good luck, rvtrav

STW · « **Reply #6 on:** December 28, 2004, 04:58:35 PM »

Thanks for the advice, folks. Sounds like this is not a good deal, and since looking around more always keeps $ from burning a hole in my wallet, I looked at another shop and saw another c.1980 mod. 94 30-30 for $199 and it had a side mounted x4 bushnell scope on it and was in good shape, but with that loose action of 94s from that period.

rvtrav,
this was a Utah co. shop-- do you remember which utah co. shop had the 5-6 94s under $200?

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 30, 2004, 10:24:21 AM »

If I recall correctly you could buy those in "80" for $150-$160.

SeaBass · « **Reply #8 on:** December 30, 2004, 02:26:25 PM »

dakotashooter2 has it right. 80's model 94's get about 150 in good condition. I wouldn't call the one you're looking at in good condition.
I would pass it up for sure. Way to many model 94's out there to be paying top dollar for one that's been monkeyed with.

P.S. $200 for a real nice would not unreasonable.

rvtrav · « **Reply #9 on:** December 30, 2004, 04:19:46 PM »

STW,
The shop where I saw the 94s was Sportsman's pawn in pleasant Grove, The're on the east side of highway 89 just south of american fork.
The leveractions are way in the back corner, past all the bolts and shotguns. the're kinda hid by some sks's
Most were in 30/30, but I remember one or two were 32 specials.
hopefully the holidays spirit is still with them and they'll be willing to make you a good deal, they always are when I go.
Again good luck-rvtrav

STW · « **Reply #10 on:** December 31, 2004, 11:02:11 PM »

Thanks rtrav. Went in there today to see what they had left and bought a 1952 mod 94 in 30-30 for $320 that's even cleaner than the 1952 I have. I think a pre 64 for $320 is a fine deal but haven't looked it up in the book.

Guess I'm a collector of pre-64 mod 94s now--don't know why I can't resist these. Good thing I enjoy shooting 30-30.

The shop must have sold those $150 mod 94s because all they had left was the one I picked, one pre-64 .32 special, and a heavily worn 1929 mod 94 in 30-30 with a 26" round barrel selling for $1,119.

rvtrav · « **Reply #11 on:** January 01, 2005, 05:48:17 AM »

STW,
I'm glad to hear that you found a good pre 64. sorry that the post 64s were all gone. I guess that there must have been a lot of winchesters under christmas trees this year.I may not be remembering as correctly as well, I did go to a lot of pawn/gun shops that day.
In my travels, if I do see something at a reasonable price, I'll post it here. or send you pm. I'll also keep my eyes peeled for an 1886, but exept for a slim few at gun shows I've just never found one.
Congrats again rvtrav.

jh45gun · « **Reply #12 on:** January 03, 2005, 07:00:47 PM »

I paid 180 bucks for my 1964 94. The origional stamped lifter was still there and it still works fine. Bore is excellent and I shot a doe with it this year first deer I shot with a 30/30 since I was a kid. 40 years ago. I wish I would have never sold my first one it was a Marlin with a half tube on it. I forgot how pleasant the 30/30 is to shoot and a carbine to carry. Mine allready came with a williams peep on it and I installed a fiber optic front sight to it. I really like that combination it makes peep sights easy to use when the daylight starts to fade. Like most post 94's of that vintage the reciever finish is worn but hey to me it adds character. Cheap in good shape 94's can be found for under 200 bucks so I would keep looking. I have even heard once in a while of Pre guns being found for cheap. Not often but once in a while. I Prefer the Winchesters to the Marlins nothing wrong with the Marlins but I think the 94's are a trimmer gun.