can't help you on that last question. YOU may want to find a copy of Sam Fadala's book on the 94 or post the question here separately. I know I bought my 94 in 68 and it was real poor - jamed a lot until I worked the burs off, the forearm rattled, barrel band barely fit,and the receiver was some plated iron or casting - not sure. I have "customized" it with a forged lifter, new butt stock, reworked a m 71 forearm, home made forearm hanger with no band, and a half mag cobbled together. To really look mine over one can see its a typical first time 25 yr old's heavy handed attempt at gunsmithing. But I've taken a deer with it since the trauma and its still better than it was when I bought it.