My brother just bought a vintage 94 that turns out was made in 1906. He claims the action is nice and tight, but I don't think that it neccessarily means its safe to shoot. Shoot we take it to a smith to have the head space checked...what else to think about before we pull the trigger?
All 94's were designed to shoot smokeless powder. I've shot some really old ones that shot very well with new ammunition. The round hasn't changed much in 112 years. Ammo companies can't control the guns that their ammunition are used in. They keep the loads mild to shoot in any gun in good condition.Unless it's been tampered with, It will safely shoot factory ammo.
While the gun in general is long lived, if you are not certain of what you are looking at I would take it to a smith before dropping the hammer. A few minutes with a smith is better than the rest of your life as a poster child for not checking antique guns before firing. Most will take a look for free or for only a few bucks, no one here can tell you the condition of the gun over the internet and the outward appearance can fool you.
Vintage 94....safe to shoot?!?
