refinishing win mod. 94

[Mad Dog]

While nosing around a gunshop the other day, I found a model 94 that was in good shape, but there was handling/surface rust on the receiver.  I know it could be steel wooled off and touch up reblued.  However, I was wondering, could the blueing be stripped from the receiver, and color case hardened?  I am no smith, and I wonder what it would cost?  I have always liked the old guns with the case hardening done.  Anybody got any thoughts or ideas?

[John Traveler]

Hey, Mad Dog1

If that Winchester M94 is a pre-1964 model, refinishing is NO problem.  Either conventional hot tank bluing or color case hardening are viable choices.

However, if it is a post-64 model, you could have some real problems.  For many years, the post-64 M94 receivers were made from a sintered metal (powdered metal alloy casting) and presents some real headaches for gunsmith refinishers.  The problems encountered included uneven coloring, with red, green or gray splotches.  Some were even "black chromium" plated, which defies all attempts at hot tank bluing.

I dunno about recent (since the middle 1980's production, but all I have seen look like conventional bluing or industrial black oxide and you should have no problems with those.

You might try researching on the Web and asking refinishing specialists.

[Mikey]

Mad Dog:  I know there are a number of gunsmiths who could apply some very nice finishes to that old 94.  Whether it is a Robar finish or a black chrome or a matt chrome or just about whatever you would want.  All we have to do is find out who they are........

BTW, John was right on with his description of the problems with some of the post-64 94s and the metallurgy used in those receivers.  It is definately strong enough but some say they were made from metals previously used and then resmelted or made from the 'sintered' metals that would neither hold the finish or take a consistent re-finish.  

One of the sexist 94s I have seen was a matt black workover with synthetic stocks and a ghost ring rear sight.  It was set up as a home defense system and looked like it could/would really do the job.

Hope this helps.  Mikey.

[Yanqui]

It can be color cased hardened. It takes just a little more time for the gunsmith to do. If you want to have it color cased hardened check this guy out. A shooter from another forum sent me the information. I still want to have one of my levers color cased hardened. I also have another project in mind. A Western AR-15.

Tom's Gun Shop
76-6 Rt South Folk
Cody, WY 82414
(307) 587-6949

It can also be blued much to the information you have received that it can not. There is a guy called the Guncrafter that can refinish it. Winchester directed me to him.

The Guncrafter
7747 Spring Creek
Mucungie, PA 18062-9768
(610) 398-1853

There is another guy that I saw in The Gun List that says he can do it also.

I had my Winchester 94 Wrangler in 32 Winchester Special refinished in Roguard by Robar http://www.robarguns.com/ . My receiver has rolled engraving with western scenes. The finish came out beautiful. It looks better than bluing. I choose to go with Robar mainly because they are just a few miles away. I may do my next Wrangler the way they recommended. The receiver and barrel bands in NP3 and rest in Roguard.

Bearcoat can also refinish it how ever you want. http://www.bearcoat.com/

Another option is Duracoat http://www.lauerweaponry.com/ezac/index.asp

There are many options you can go with. The Gun List (pick it up at a grocery store or book store) lists many gunsmiths that can refinish your
Winchester.