94 Winchester 30-30?

Question

I found a winchester 94 30-30 for sale for $250. He said he would give me 60 rounds with it. I shot it and it works but i noticed that the lever has a VERY VERY slight wiggle to it. He said that he has hardly shot it. Is that a good deal? Any would it ruin the gun if i put a side scope mount on it?

Answer 1

that wiggle is common...my dad has two winchester 30/30s...one with out scope mount holes and one with out...and also i dont know how your going to put a side mount scope on it....so i cant say if its going to ruin the gun or not....

Answer 2

That's an excellent price. In fact, guys on levergun.com would jump on that price and even more. Don't worry about the wiggle that's normal. Check out the site too. GL.

Answer 3

I agree, it's a very good price and the wiggle is normal (from what you're saying).

I can't comment on the mount as I am a Marlin guy --- we don't need those silly side mounts ;)

Answer 4

Welcome to the wonderful world of the Model 94. I've had one since I turned 12 in 1966. The wriggle is normal, unless there are screws loose. $250 is a great price, especially if it was made pre-64. (the best way to tell is that if the butt plate is metal, it's pre-64, if it's plastic, it's newer). If it was made before 1964, it's a better quality gun and worth a lot more. But even a post-64 is worth $350-400.

As far as the scope goes, if it's an old gun, the value will be lessened by drilling holes for the scope. Also, the effective range is about 100 yards, and you should be accurate at that range with open sights. If you are planning to shoot longer distances, do what I did - buy another gun (Iike a .30-06) with a scope, and keep the .30-30 for what it does best - quick, short shots in brushy areas to put meat in the freezer.

Answer 5

For $250 that's a deal. The lever wiggle is normal.

Serial numbers under about 2 million are Pre 1964 and command premium prices. Post 64 Winchesters have stamped carriers... when the action is open it's the big flat part you see when you look straight into the action.

The post 64 rifles shoot just as well... but like a lot of products, the overall workmanship wont be what you find on the earlier product.

Look at Leverguns.com and that will link you to Winchester resources like serial number lists etc...

Adding a scope to a Winchester requires drilling and tapping holes... that will devalue the rifle.

Better option in my opinion is the addition of a good tang or receiver mounted peep sight... very effective and handy on a woods rifle and the 30 WCF cartridge. Many of the older models are pre dilled and tapped for those sight options.

Answer 6

They are presently selling in gun stores and sporting goods stores in fair condition for $350.00 and up... The rifle you describe is fine, however I would not add a scope to it.* The vast majority of Big Game is harvested within 100 yards or less.* Keep it in original condition.* As you can see that price your paying is a great deal.*

Answer 7

250 is a very good price, I bought mine for 250 as well. There are a lot of stores I have visited and the average price for a Wincheser 94 .30-30 in not the greatest condition was 350-450. The wiggle is somewhat normal, so do not be too worried about that. A side mounted scope would not ruin the rifle, mine has that, and it's a great thing, and will increase the value a little bit and also accuracy at long ranges. And for ammunition, I suggest 170 grain Remingtion Core-Lokt Premium.  

Answer 8

Grab it up Josh, don't hesitate.  That's a great price and the slight wiggle is normal.  Since 1894s command some collector's interest I would hesitate to put a scope on it until I learned more about it.  Like how old it is.  You wouldn't want to destroy the collector's value of a niffty Twenties or Thirties 1894 by drilling and tapping it for a scope.  Don't re-blue it either.  Leave it as original as possible.

H