Model 94 32 Winchester Special!!!
 

My Uncle just gave me my Great Grandfathers Model 94 32 special. I don't know much about it, other than its priceless to me. It was Manufactured in 1949, about 85-90% condition. It has a Williams Peep sight on it. How much would you say it is worth?? I am used to Semi-auto and Bolt-action guns and all my rifles are .308 or 30-06 except this one. How is this gun for deer hunting compared to a .308? Any info is appreciated. Thanks!

I've had a .32 Special for a backup for years. With handloaded and factory loaded jacketed bullets, it's got a little more oomph than a 30-30. I shot a huge black bear and quite a few deer with mine, as well as numerous rabbits & squirrels during small game season. All critters shot, dropped quickly. I bought a bullet mould and started casting my own bullets. I've got a light load with pistol powder that will put a cast bullet at 25 yd.'s in the same spot as a jacketed bullet at 100 yd. Experience hunting squirrels and rabbits makes for great training for deer hunting. The slower 1:16 twist gives great accuracy with cast bullets, with no lead buildup or jacketed bullets(hence "Special"). It's a great rifle.

I don't know what it's worth, but it will kill deer. I have a great uncle that still hunts with one and regularly gets his deer every fall! Also, hard to put a price on firearms that come from our fathers and grandfathers! Keep it and pass it on!
-Jake

Check factory loads. The 170 gr. .32 will invaribly be faster than the 30-30.

I have a Model 64 in 32 WS my father passed down to me. His was 1956. The 64 was only slightly different in it had a longer barrel, 3/4 length tube mag and a pistol grip. The action was the same.
I have never handloaded for it but I know it shoots very well with factory 170 gr. Silvertip. I have shot a few deer with it, a few elk and some coyotes.
There are very limited numbers of available factory ammo and very few component bullets for the 32 WS.

Don't worry I will never get rid of this gun, It will stay in the family.

Would you scope this gun? It would be more practical for me if I did for deer hunting, but at the same time I want to leave it stock.

I've got a Win .32 Spl (1953 vintage I believe) inherited from my Dad. It's a sweetheart and fun to shoot. It will easily kill deer and black bear within appropriate ranges. I've had a Burris FastFire red dot sight installed that greatly increased the sight visibility for my sorry. old eyes.

....Do yourself and the gun a favor and leave it just the way it is now. Those guns were basically short-yardage guns and that's what kind of hunting is best suited for them. Yeah, I can hear the keyboards being fired up right now by some who have killed deer at 150+ yds. with them. I own a 1949 '94 in 32WS..my backup gun for deer and black bear.
.... If you need a scope to kill a deer where you hunt, use your .308 or '06...

I will have to agree with Pawildman leave it as is. You should shoot it with the peep sight. I think you will be surprised at how accurate peep sights can be. I installed a peep sight on my 30-30 and it has helped me in my aiming. I don't care for buckhorn sights that much.