Winchester 94 Pre-safety, top eject

[cutter]

I just traded for a Model 94 top eject, pre-safety weapon made in 1981. Did the Ranger model say it on the barrel? mine just says Model 94 30-30win. Is the pre-safety, top eject a more sought after model? Share some knowledge with me on my new weapon, Winchester experts.

[Ranch13]

Ranger models didn't happen until the after the AE designs.
 You most likely have a standard model 94, and it should be a very good rifle.

[cutter]

What are the AE designs? Sorry but I'm new to the 94.
 

[Ranch13]

Angle eject.

[cutter]

Thanks again, The stock on this weapon isnt checkered but appears to be walnut, how can I know what "version" 94 this is?
 

[Ranch13]

Checkering didn't happen until just about the end of production.
You have a standard post 64 model 94.

[cutter]

Is this what is refered to as a "Traditional" version?

[Rangr44]

You have a pre-safety, post-64 Model 94 Standard Carbine, with the changes/upgrades made starting in 1970 - a cast cartridge lifter/carrier ILO the previous post-64  stamped lifter, solid link pin(s) ILO the previous hollow rolled pins, and a better grade od walnut than 1964-1970 Standard Carbines.
 
IIRC, in 1983, the Model 94 action was changed to an angle-eject (M94AE) from the previous top-eject design, then agasin, later adding a rebounding hammer, and at first a crossbolt safety (CBS) then finally a top rang safety.
Some refer to those changes as "the death rattle", before US Model 94 production was stopped in 2006.
 
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[Mikey]

I believe the 20" barrelled rifle was/is referred to as the Traditional Rifle.  Carbines wore the shorter barrels.  I believe there was some confusion generated when Winchester began making commenmorative rifles, some in different caliber, with longer barrels and some folk then began referring to the Traditional Rifle as a carbine simply because it wore a shorter barrel than some commemorative rifles.  I think. 
 
I have 3 20" Winchester 94s - two are 94s and one is a 94AE.  They are all referred to as rifles.  My 18" 94 AE in 444 is called the Timber Carbine because it wears a shorter barrel. 
 
The 94AE rifles or carbines can easily be scoped because the action is beefier than the earlier rifles and the top of the action is drilled and tapped for scope mounts.  There were other changes made in the 94 - 94AE rifles to allow for scoping and side (or angle) ejection.
 
You have a great rifle in a great caliber.  Those older versions can be scoped if desired but I prefer to leave my older rifles as they are with the original open sights.

[cutter]

Thanks Ranger and everyone who responded. It clears up alot and gives me a good idea of what I have. Sounds like I did good and have one of the nicer Winchesters.