Post ‘64 Winchester 94. Just how bad are they?

[Redthies]

So everyone is horny as hell for “pre ‘64” Winchesters, and I realize that quality took a bit of a dump after that, but how bad are they really? I have a potential opportunity to trade a Ruger 10/22 for a post ‘64 Model 94 in .32 WS. I have asked the seller to send me the serial number on the 94 so I can confirm year of manufacture. I have read that the main difference is some parts are cast instead of forged or machined, but could one find better quality internals and swap them if needed?

Anyone here have firsthand experience?

[Lyman]

I used to own a pre 64 Model 94 in .32WS. I have looked over and shot both Pre and post 64 models. (post 64 rifle was my friend's) The changes that were made were the receiver metal type went from billet to cast steel. Also the lifter was stamped steel instead of forged. They both shoot the same from what I remember. This was quite a few years back. I liked both rifles. I lost my 94 in a house fire in 2006. I miss it greatly as it was a gift from my Grandfather before his death.

[Mistered]

The biggest difference with the post 64 guns was the transition from forged receivers to the ‘sintered’ metal style with an entirely different bluing process.
Google post mod 94 differences and you’ll find a lot of information on it.
Another thing was the change from the forged cartridge lift to a stamped style. Some say because the The forged one is heavier it operates smoother and results in better cycling.
There were also some other subtle changes such as some screws being replaced with pins etc. but there is a lot of good info available on it so spend a little ‘keyboard’ time and you will learn a lot!
One thing is for certain the late 70s saw some major changes for Winchester and they really got their act together and started to produce some pretty nice guns again and by the time of the ‘Angle eject’ models they went back to a forged receiver and were back to nearly a pre 64 quality. This continued until the late 90s and by the early 2000s they again headed downhill rapidly until the end of Winchester (as we knew them) in 2006.
I wouldn’t have a problem with a late 70s up through a 90s era model and actually during this time they were making some pretty cool models, including some re-pops of earlier models such as in 25-35 and other calibers not made in a while but these are very hard to find - heck it’s almost easier to find a nice pre 64 than a late 70s - 90s era model and I firmly believe this is because they were known to be much better and fewer of them are available.

[Redthies]

This is a 1979 model, so I believe it has the better lifter. I would use it as a deer rifle as ballistics are supposed to be better than .30-30, and thusly way better than .357 magnum. I’m just trying to decide if it’s something I need more than a 10-22. I am trying (with great difficulty) to imagine a situation where I’d pull the 10-22 out before the Henry SGC.

[North Country Gal]

Mistered nailed it. The later vintages were decent guns and if you want something to shoot, they'll serve you, well. Even some of the immediate post '64 guns can be good shooters and these can be had at very reasonable prices. They might be loose and sloppy, but they will shoot.

The pre 64s are collectible simply because they were made with different materials and production techniques, back when Winchester was at its peak as a company. Original, mint condition pre 64 Model 94s bring premium prices, but they're are still a lot of shooter grade pre 64s out there that can be had for reasonable prices if you're patient and willing to look.

[Mistered]

I was unaware in 1979 Winchester was building a .32 Special and this is the first I have heard of such.
Regardless if this is the case I would seriously reconsider the .32. There is no appreciable difference in ‘power’ and quite frankly the .32 WS had some issues with accuracy due to a different rifling twist rate. Also ammo might not be readily available.
There is a reason the 30-30 prevailed over all the other cartridges the Mod 94 was chambered for.

[Redthies]

I have a 1911 manufactured.30-30 Model 94 already. This was just a trade deal that popped up. I’m giving it second thoughts. I should probably just spend some more time with my new .357 before buying another lever gun, right?

[Mistered]

I have a 1911 manufactured.30-30 Model 94 already.

You have a 1911 Winchester? A carbine or rifle? Either way then you are set - get it cleaned and set with sights you like and get it out and fire it up !! I shoot my 1899 'Klondike Sporting Rifle' often - and am avoiding it but I NEED to do something about better sights for it - but no modifications - just a better front and rear.