Lever Action Rifles

[BOLTACTION]

I have a question about two of the most prominent
lever action rifles of all time: the Winchester models
92 and the 94. Which tends to be stronger and "more
functional" and why? Which calibers do you like best in
them?

Thanks,
Boltaction

[Pygmy]

I am no authority on the relative strength of lever actions...

However, the 94 was chambered for cartridges that are much more powerful than the 92... The 92 was chambered for pistol cartridges like the 32-20, 38-40 and 44-40, which were all originally black powder cartridges..

The 94 was chambered for much larger and more powerful ( and much longer) smokeless powder cartridges such as the 25-35,30-30 and 38-55...

It might be logical to assume the 94 is a stronger action than the 92, but perhaps it is just longer...

[Wingbone]

It seems to me that the '92 was a scaled down version of the 1886 action, which I think is the strongest tube fed action that Winchester made (The '95 had a box magazine). At least the '86 was chambered in some pretty powerful rounds. So I think the '92 was a stronger action but was scaled to handle pistol-sized cartridges.

[Ridge Runner]

think winbone has it right, they also modernized the 1886 and called it the model 71, chambered it in 348 win. It is a stronger action than the 94.
RR

[Pawildman]

Originally Posted by Ridge Runner

think winbone has it right, they also modernized the 1886 and called it the model 71, chambered it in 348 win. It is a stronger action than the 94.
RR

..........Also a lot heavier than a 94. One of the chief reasons production stopped in 1957 for the 71. Made like a bank vault, but nearly as heavy also......

[Rebel Hog]

Pre 64's are better guns than post 64 plain and simple. Better fit and finish. All the parts were machined from bar stock on pre 64's. Steel receiver that held bluing better. The differences are there you just have to know what to look for. Pre 64's have more screws on the receiver and in different locations.

[Pawildman]

Originally Posted by Rebel Hog

Pre 64's are better guns than post 64 plain and simple. Better fit and finish. All the parts were machined from bar stock on pre 64's. Steel receiver that held bluing better. The differences are there you just have to know what to look for. Pre 64's have more screws on the receiver and in different locations.

..........The post-64 Model 94 began with the serial number 2,700,000.........Therefore, at that # (2,700,000) and higher, the gun was made after 1964. Lower, pre-64.....

[Ridge Runner]

..........Also a lot heavier than a 94. One of the chief reasons production stopped in 1957 for the 71. Made like a bank vault, but nearly as heavy also......

All reports I've read state it was discontinued due to the cost of manufactureing it, they replaced it with the win model 88 and the 358 win same bullet weight and velocity but the 88 was cheaper to produce and could have the scope mounted center over the barrel instead of a side mount. But in reality it weighs about a pound more than a 94 with the same length barrel. I have a browning reproduction of the model 71 carbine and it has accounted for alot of game
RR

[Pawildman]

Originally Posted by Ridge Runner

All reports I've read state it was discontinued due to the cost of manufactureing it, they replaced it with the win model 88 and the 358 win same bullet weight and velocity but the 88 was cheaper to produce and could have the scope mounted center over the barrel instead of a side mount. But in reality it weighs about a pound more than a 94 with the same length barrel. I have a browning reproduction of the model 71 carbine and it has accounted for alot of game
RR

...........You're right....it did cost a lot to build. That and the weight drove it out of existence. Only 47,000 of these rifles were ever manufactured between 1935 and 1957. According to some, a lot of them ended up in Canada and Alaska as dangerous game rifles. (big bear). Hey.....nice truckload!!......

[Pygmy]

Ridgerunner... Who is that young feller on the tailgate between the bear and the coyote..??..

I thought you were an OLD FART........