I have owned both pre and post 1964 Model 94's, and I can testify that none of the manufacturing shortcuts affected the rifle's function or accuracy. It is also a nearly perfect rifle for the mounted rifleman, and is still found in saddle scabbards all over the West.
A Model 94 is easy to carry and feels good in the hand. Regardless of vintage, the Model 94 has always been a reliable rifle, the kind you can depend on. As a lingering result of these changes, pre-1964 Model 94's are worth about 50% more than equivalent post 1964 models in similar condition on the used market. These were not the only changes, but they were the most obvious changes and, as I recall, the ones which drew the most criticism. And hollow steel roll pins, which just plain looked cheap, replaced the solid steel action pins. The loading gate became a stamped and riveted part, which was also obvious. The most visible of these was the shell carrier, which raised cartridges from the magazine to the breech, and stood out like a sore thumb every time the action was operated. Stamped sheet steel parts were substituted in non-critical areas for formerly forged steel parts. The changes to the Model 94 were relatively minor, but never the less devastating to the 94's reputation. It was also the world's most popular sporting rifle, and still is with over 5,000,000 sold by 2001.
It was a very solid and handsome rifle, a legend in its own time, and an American icon. The metal finish was a highly polished blue and in the later part of that era the stock had a gloss finish. Olin still manufactures Winchester ammunition, however.įrom 1894 to 1963 the Model 94 lever action rifle had been manufactured using high quality forged steel parts and stocked in genuine American black walnut. In a few years Olin was out of the gun business. Ultimately, in 1981, Olin Corporation struck a licensing agreement with United States Repeating Arms to manufacture Winchester firearms, which were no longer a profitable line for Olin. The reaction from gun writers and the shooting public to the changes was swift and terrible, and Winchester has never regained their former position of dominance. You have to understand that the Model 94 was an icon amongst lever action rifles and the standard of comparison at the time. Unfortunately, the revisions included the Model 94 lever action rifle. That was the year that their revised (for cheaper manufacture) line of firearms was introduced. Repeating Arms Co., Inc.ġ964 was a big year for Olin/Winchester.
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