Winchester 94...When Did They Get Worse or Better

BOLTACTION · 12-20-2011, 01:22 PM

Friends, I have a question: when do you believe the Winchester 94 rifles lost some quality? Some think that pre-64 are definitely better, and others think they were well made until 1970 or so. Do you find that they were well-made before the 70's or perhaps into the 80's?

Thanks and happy holidays,
Boltaction

skb2706 · 12-20-2011, 02:19 PM

I own two, one model 64(same as a 94 except pistol grip longer barrel) made in 1956 that is a fine piece well made and still tight. The other is a model 94 made in 1973 that was gifted to me. Pretty cheaply made. No comparison. The newer gun was never tight and only ever shot a few times.

Wingbone · 12-20-2011, 03:23 PM

I've owned some pre-'64 models and some post-'64. I believe the pre-1964 models definately are superior in quality to those made after. The ones from 1964 to about 1972 were some real crap, stamped, tinny parts, receivers that refused to stay blued. After that, the quality started to improve somewhat. They started putting some solid steel parts back into them. I can't say much about the newer versions. I don't have any experience with the latest incarnations.