1937 Winchester Model 94 30-30

[djerdl]

I bought this one years ago, and after a few shots it quit firing. So i decided it's time to pull it out of the closet and take a look at it. I've taken it down (not an easy task the first time), cleaned and oiled it, and am in the process of replacing the bolt, firing pin, and ejector. I'll post some pics when I get home later...

Anyway, my question is, has anyone had much experience with these? Are there things that I should be doing or avoiding? Also, I've been trying to find out more info on it. So far I've found from the stamping on it that it's an old forestry gun from an "I" state (ISFS). Any thoughts on how I could learn more about it's prominence? Thanks

[gregintenn]

The model 94 Winchester is a fine gun. Can't believe you'd post this without pictures!

I'm not sure how you'd go about learning the particular gun's history.

To answer your other question, I've owned several, and shot them quite a bit. I'm not sure what your asking about doing or not doing. Shoot it, keep it clean, and enjoy it. People who say lever guns aren't accurate haven't had any experience with pre 64 Winchesters. I have one now that will shoot MOA groups with the factory open sights. That's as good as I am able to do with any rifle.

[Caster]

If it were mine, I'd get it going with whatever parts need replacing or just have a competent smith take care of that. If your chosen gunsmith can't work on a 94 Winchester with confidence, he's not much of a smith.

Then I'd feed it a steady diet of nice and easy cast loads. Accuracy will be all you could ever want and more, properly placed it'll kill anything around these parts and the lower pressures and absence of copper condoms will ensure the longevity of the rifle.

[djerdl]

Ok, this is the first time I've tried this:

Not in the best shape, but not bad

Edited June 16, 2012 by djerdl

[djerdl]

And after pulling it apart..

@Greg Thanks for the vote of confidence on these guns. I've been primarly a pistol shooter, aside from the AK, but I think it's past time to branch into rifles.

@Caster I'll definitley keep that in mind about the ammo. Any particular brands that you've had good experience with?

Edited June 16, 2012 by djerdl

[mikegideon]

If it were mine, I'd get it going with whatever parts need replacing or just have a competent smith take care of that. If your chosen gunsmith can't work on a 94 Winchester with confidence, he's not much of a smith.

Then I'd feed it a steady diet of nice and easy cast loads. Accuracy will be all you could ever want and more, properly placed it'll kill anything around these parts and the lower pressures and absence of copper condoms will ensure the longevity of the rifle.

Copper condoms! You're hard core

[Caster]

You're hard core With a Gas Check!!!

FTFY

Edited June 16, 2012 by Caster

[TNWNGR]

You've got a treasure in that M-94 Winchester of your's, as for it's provinence I'd try contacting a collector's association. Now the how and reason it stopped working could be a lot of thing's from being gummed up to weak spring's. Since you've got it apart go ahead and replace all of the spring's and keeep the old one's as spare's. Take a close look at your firing pin and make sure it's not seriously worn or broken. Lube it up and put it back together and treat it with the respect it's earned.

[DaveTN]

It would drive me nuts until I found out what that lettering means. It looks like ISPS to me though.

[Garufa]

It would drive me nuts until I found out what that lettering means. It looks like ISPS to me though.

Maybe it's "Indiana State Prison System" or something similar. That would be kinda cool.

Nice lookling rifle.

[djerdl]

Thanks all.

The markings have been driving me nuts for about 12 years now.. Someone along the way removed the plates in the stock that would let me know for sure which state and what service...

I do like the idea of Prison System, but I'm pretty sure it's an FS..

Good idea on the springs TNWNGR, I hadn't thought of that. I ordered the entire firing pin, extractor, breech bolt assembly from Numrich, and it should be here Monday. The firing pin looked pretty worn...I'm guessing about 70+ years worth of shooting would do that.

[Garufa]

I do like the idea of Prison System, but I'm pretty sure it's an FS..

It's definitely "PS" lightly struck and worn but there is no doubt. Look at your pictures, not the rifle.

[jtmaze]

I have a late model 30-30 m-94 that was my grandfathers gun that my cousin and I shot quarter size groups at 100 yards...very consistent. Great gun show it the respect it deserves and shoot with pride!!!!!

[gregintenn]

It's definitely "PS" lightly struck and worn but there is no doubt. Look at your pictures, not the rifle.

Ypu! That's a "P". Illinois State Penal System? Park Service?

[djerdl]

I can see what you mean about the P in the pics versus on the actual rifle. It does seem that way. By the way, anyone ever have dealings with Numrich gun parts? I received the breech bolt in yesterday, rusted, worn, and a big chunk missing beside the extractor. I called and sent it back immediately. Hopefully will have it exchanged by Friday.

[Caster]

I hate Numrich. They're one of the few that actually have the hard to find parts you need, but they are a bunch of Yanks and not always easy to deal with. I will say though, they'll make it right. They'll stick you in the butt for shipping and be rude on the phone but in all the dealings I've had with them over the years, they've never crooked me once. I've had a couple of returns and they handled it professionally, but a bit cold. Must be a Yankee thing.