Pre - 64 Winchesters

[BeagleDog]

Can anyone give me a quick run down of what made the pre 64's so much better than the later models?

Cabelas' just came out with their 50th anniversary models by Winchester and they say they are manufactured to pre - 64 specs. Another neat thing about them is the first model is going to be in 38-55, the original Model 94 caliber.

I would appreciate any comments as I very well may grab one of these.

Thanks!

 

[pisgah]

Top ejection vs. angle eject, forged receiver vs. sintered metal receiver, forged cartridge lifter vs. stamped -- and numerous other cost-cutting changes in the post-'64s.

Personally, for less money than the new made-in-Japan-with-tang-safety model "made to pre-'64 specs", I'd just go out and find a nice pre-'64.

 

[tom black]

I agree with Pisgah. Nothing Winchester is gonna build today can compare to the Pre 64 Winchesters. The only thing better than a Pre 64 Winchester would be a Pre WWII Winchester. For my money I'd sink it into a good used Pre 64.
Tom Black

 

[smitty_bs]

I have two Model 94s; one made in 1950 and one made in 1967 (the one made in 1967 has never been fired - safe queen).

Anyway the metal on the 1950 version is vastly superior. It is solid steel and has rich blueing. The 1967 version looks ok at first, but for some reason the blueing almost looks painted on. It ssems to be some kind of coating, but I really don't know how they applied blueing then. I doesn't look like it would weather well but I don't know because it has never been in the woods. The wood stocks are ok and I can't tell much difference in quality. Just some observations.

 

[BeagleDog]

Top ejection vs. angle eject, forged receiver vs. sintered metal receiver, forged cartridge lifter vs. stamped -- and numerous other cost-cutting changes in the post-'64s.

Personally, for less money than the new made-in-Japan-with-tang-safety model "made to pre-'64 specs", I'd just go out and find a nice pre-'64.

Thanks for the information. I'll do some more research. But I do have a question. I thought everyone thought top ejection was a bad idea due to scoping problems?

 

[Klondike Mike]

No problem with scopes. Just keep them off real Winchester lever actions. Marlins and Savage 99's are traditional lever actions that work great with scopes and I use and recommend both to people with eyes like mine. Ageing. If you're blessed with good eyesight use the Winchester 94 as issued or with a good aperature sight. Actually with the aperature sight even old guys can turn in decent groups. Enjoy the Winchester lever guns for what they are. Pisgah speaks the truth. Mike

 

[pisgah]

It is true enough that a top-eject 94 is not ideal for scoping. It can be done with a side-mount, but these introduce their own problems. But then, no traditional levergun is really ideal for scoping. Although a scope certainly addresses eyesight issues, it also, for me, destroys the light weight and quick-handling balance that makes a levergun what it was designed to be. I have always favored Marlins over Winchesters, and they are a cinch to scope -- but I long ago took the scopes off my Marlins and replaced them with receiver sights. Even with my nearing-60 bifocaled eyes, the peeps work splendidly for the type of work these rifles were meant to do. If long-range precision shooting is what you are after, a 94 is not the gun for you, anyway.

 

[Mike Armstrong]

Buehler or somebody used to make a no-drill mount that fit on the barrel of a 94 and allowed you to fit a pistol scope to make the original "Scout" rifle on a 94 carbine without ruining its collector value. If you could find one, you could adapt your favorite 94 carbines to your aging vision. Still looks funny, but if you just HAVE to use that thutty-thutty, it would work (or you could just use a Rem 760 "Amish Assault Rifle" like I do!).

Anybody remember the name of the mount I'm thinking of? Still manufactured?

 

[rugnelli]

A scope on a pre-64 Winchester lever just isn't right... Even if your eyesight is bad, use it as a club before you put a scope on it.

rugnelli

 

[SargeMO]

A scope on a pre-64 Winchester lever just isn't right... Even if your eyesight is bad, use it as a club before you put a scope on it.

rugnelli

Or a safety button. What a sacrilege.