Today I was finally able to get my great grandfather's 94 back. It had been stolen almost 10 years prior. I can't express what it means to get my family heirloom back. I especially can't be happier that it's a Winchester 94.
Ehhh that might be too much of a simplification. I doubt many people knew who John browning even was until much later in the 20th century. Browning made a good design but it was winchesters marketing and scale of production that enabled the model 94 to be made cheaply enough that a broad amount of people could afford to buy it. I mean look at winchesters competitors. Marlin had the first commercially successful 45-70 a full five years before Winchester. But it was the Winchester 86 that sold more units, despite Marlins rifle being arguably as strong as the 86 and smoother to operate. Marlin didn’t have the scale to beat out Winchester or the marketing. Bullard made a fantastic lever action in 45-70 but it was more expensive than the 86 and came out in the same year. Couple that with the fact Bullard was a much smaller company and didn’t have the marketing that Winchester had, and it doesn’t sell well enough to keep Bullard afloat till he is bought out by Winchester.
Don't attribute everything to John Browning.. They are all modified versions of his falling block which he modified from European falling blocks . He and his TEAM added the sliding bolt and the lever w/ sliding cam surface to operate everything .
The 1895 was also a John Browning design and it was the least popular of Winchester lever action rifles. So I don't think who the designer was had much, if anything to do with the popularity of the 1894
My dad gave me his Winchester 94 centennial 66. He bought it new and only fired 1 box of ammo in it. When he gave it to me, he told me to shoot a deer with it. I clipped a single point bungee sling to the saddle ring and went to the woods. I did shoot a deer on her second outing. Her name is "goldilocks" and I love that gun. And my dad. Happy Fathers Day!
Kingwiththeax My friend and I bought the carbine and rifle at a gun show. He took the carbine cause he's short and me being tall I took the rifle. My main .30-30 was being used by my sister this year. I used my centennial 66, let me tell you, walking through the woods with that shiny gold and octagonal barrel just takes you back. Took a doe at 100 yards, enjoy that rifle.
@@LUR1FAX Yeah. With guns, cars, machines period, the goal while inventing or renovating is to make something put in twice as much work with as little money spent and effort possible.
@@JesusChrist8451 I have a picture of Obi Wan (Ep. 2) framed up and on my mantle to see how many people think he's Jesus. Hahaha! Love the picture man.
Hey guys thanks for tuning into another video on AncientWeapons.com Im Ian Jr. and today we will be looking at the AR-15 rifle this rifle is generally known as being the most popular civilian rifle in the United States for the latter half of the 20th century and the entire 21st century as well as serving in the U.S. military and militaries around the world for all that time under designations of M16, M4 and M416.
@@hjorturerlend it should also be mentioned that this gun is recognizable internationally, every Latin American home used to have a .30-30 Winchester carabine, basically.
"If this pin isn't depressed, the trigger will not pull." Damn it, the rifle won't fire! Hey, pin, did it ever occur to you that all life is is just a slow march to the grave?
That's not the way to do it! You gotta scream at it and tell the pin that its a piece of shit and it'll never amount to anything even if you scraped it and used it for a more modern gun. Works all the time for me! (FYI don't do this, care, RESPECT, and LOVE is what these classy cannons need nowadays)
All you gotta do is handle and shoot one of these little iconic rascals and you're smitten. Even the 1964 thru 2006 models are still awesome. The handiness of these little rifles almost rivals the ease and ergos as an AR15.
One gun I really wish I had bought was a model 94 with a 4 digit serial number and the 26" octagon barrel. For $295 back in the '90s. They don't make 'em like that any more.
Thanks Ian for the Henry/Winchester lever gun evolution. Fantastic history lesson. I've known all of those rifles, but never gave much thought into their evolutions, until now. Thanks again!!!! History is such a wonderful and fascinating journey, isn't it!?!?
My Grandpa left my Father and I a pre-64 Model 94 Carbine. It was the first gun he bought after he moved to America from Germany in the 50's. They truly are great rifles.
I love my 94, I'm on the second one, first was an AE rifle in 357 which was a disappointment, latest one is a 1958 carbine made 30/30 and most of the reciprocating parts were heavily worn but the bore was fine, I guess an armchair cowboy had been cycling it while watching john wayne movies on tv. A new link and lifter spring brought it back to 100% and it's great for all I need it for.
The rifle arrived today and I dialed in the scope just a couple hours ago ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxQt2uORDRfFOVSrO4idv4B90ThT6EOnEL . I haven’t shot with a scope in probably 25 years. The X on the left was my target. (the shot almost in the bullseye on the right X was my father in laws first shot after I made adjustments) The two shots circled are my first 2 shots. Then I brought it down - shot once. Then brought it over to the left. From there zeroed it in to dead center. This all was from 25 yards out. Follow instructions carefully when mounting the scope. So far I'm very happy with the purchase.
I'm 78 years old now and in the 60s I bought a brand new 30/30 Winchester model 94, and later bought a Winchester model 9422 LR. I just got an 1894, but it's a 177 co2 pellet gun. It works exactly the Winchester with shells and side loading gate and even ejects the shells. Lots of fun.
They're safe to shoot right? I see one at a gun store but they're unknowledable and suggest it might not be safe to shoot. Dont see a reason why the antiques are unsafe
@@nicolainicolaev3153 Hot ammunition is higher pressure loads often designed to get the max performance out of a cartridge, in this case those higher velocities and the higher chamber pressure would wear out the gun faster. If you want to see what Hot Ammunition can do look up Ian's Video on Turkish surplus 8mm Mauser
Thanks Ian, another superb series. The '94's close to my heart (well, actually 4ft away in a locked cabinet in case the firearms guys are watching), mine's a modern version in .357 mag - but still great to shoot here in the UK.
I bought one of these recently for 289 bucks chambered in 30-30 with a scope and sling. From what I can tell it was a new haven made one but the scope is made in japan. It’s my first John browning designer gun.
In 1894 it might've been the best and I love mine but best ever is a bit of a stretch. It's a great little carbine but my ar10 in 6.5 creedmoor is better in every way.
I love the 30-30 my old man have been using it for moose hunting for at least 15 to 20 years and it’s still his go to rifle when he gets his license I haven’t seen him clean the gun once and the thing still runs like a dream and will cycle and fire every round you put through it
I've got one of these beauties in .44-40 Winchester. It's a 1977 Winchester Commemorative Cheyenne Carbine. Only 10,000 made and only sold in Canada. It had already been shot before when I acquired it so I shoot it as well, and it's great to take to the range.
Keep up the great content Ian. Nice to see a firearms channel that goes into details about development and implementation of different weapons from history.
Mine is a ,32 WS that's 111 years old. Father got it from a rancher in the late 50s when parts of L.A. County in CA were still nice places to live in with plenty of open spaces and lots of hunting. Anywayyyyyys...my father had it blued after he got it. The wood on it is shiny and beautiful, like it was polished recently. So it looks incredibly new! It was the very first rifle that I ever shot when I was 15 or 16. I only shot it once after my brother shot it, and I wasn't thrilled. That was a bad experience because it felt like I was being forced to shoot. I remember looking at it in my parents' closet as a child and looking at the cartridges for it like they were toys. It was always fascinating to look at the ammo and the gun. I knew even as a child that I dare not touch it. But it was always on a shelf and out of reach. I always thought that the Army gave him that rifle after he served as a paratrooper. I guess I thought that way because I would see his military clothes and other related paraphernalia near the rifle. After moving to another house, it was like it never existed. It was something that I hadn't even thought about because it was hidden away for a long time. Only a few years ago did I find out that he bought it in the late 50s after he did his service. After he left for a while for business, I looked underneath his bed and found it. I liked the feel of it and told him on the phone about it. He then gave it to me after I mentioned it. I was a little surprised but elated. I found out he had given it to a friend but then got it back after my mother got angry about it. I'm very fortunate to have received it. I shot it for the second time in my life a few years ago in the desert after having first shot it back in 1981-82. It seemed too powerful and scary to me at that time, so I never cared about shooting. I got the shooting bug a few years ago, and that's when I rediscovered the rifle and received it shorty afterwards. Shooting it several times a few years ago was really a pleasure. I was able to hit a small steel target about 300 yards away several times. It is amazingly accurate and easy to shoot. I was surprised by how little recoil it had compared to my shotgun. I stocked up on thousands of rounds of ammo for it several years ago because the ammo was so hard to find. It's one of my home defense guns, but I have more suitable guns for that. Nevertheless, it's something that might come in handy during a situation that I never imagined.
Loving the series. Looking forward to the 1895. Wasn't aware of the locking lug differences, etc from the 1892. Very well thought out. Great video as always. Thank you
@@LibertysetsquareJack yes that is true. I have noticed that. For some strange reason, i have been wanting a 38-55 for years. My 30-30 is a Marlin (as well as a 357), but my large bore PCC's are Win Trappers- angle eject 44 mag and a 2002 vintage 45 Colt
My late father used the 32 Win special with a 20" barrel. He killed Grizzly, black bear, moose, elk and many, many, deer with his Winch lever. He was deadly with that rifle and I have never seen anyone who was as proficient as he was with that rifle...Faster than a bolt action since the cocking motion only takes two moves instead of 4 with a bolt action.. Light, handy, lethal, affordable, accurate enough for the range it was intended, a true American rifle that deserves it's place with honors in the firearm collection...
Everyone says 30-30 is a deer rifle. Well where I live here in Canada the 30-30 has been taking Moose since its inception. I personally dont own a 30-30. My 94 is 32 Win special it has taken moose as well, not by me however but by my father and great uncle.
Ditto for my model 94; chambered in 32 special. My dad's first deer rifle, bought new circa 1955. The one gun of mine I would be first to run out the door with of the house was on fire.
I have a model 94 made in the 30s. It was given to me by an old man. His dad had bought it for him new back then and it has a side mounted scope on it.
I own a model 94 and I absolutely love it. it's everything I could ever ask for in a hunting rifle (aside from a scope) and it shoots like a dream. it was my grandfather's, and has a serial number from '41 and still lists its ammunition as 30 WCF lol
I personally used one of these rifles which belonged to my dad for deer hunting and for small game. Had very little kick and shot almost like a 22. It was so darn accurate I wish I still had one! I loved it so much. (from Oregon)
Inherited a 94 carbine take-down model in .32WS from my wife's uncle, serial #'s put it about 1920 mfr. Last shot it about 20yrs ago, shot great. Tightened up the lever mechanism about 10yrs ago. Gunsmith valued it at $1800
Sorry for the dumb question, how did they measure projectile speed back in those days? Maybe you should make a special episode on where you explain 1800's technologies and manufacturing techniques 👍
see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_chronograph I think the most common method used in the late 19th century used a pair of spinning paper wheels, these were on a common axis spinning at a known rate. The gun being tested would fire a bullet parallel to the axis of rotation. You'd measure the difference between the two holes to see how far the wheels had rotated, then use a bit of math and the wheels' known rotation speed to figure out the bullet velocity.
I saw a 100th Anniversary Model 94 in Iraq in 2003. It had gold inlay, a small gold commemorative plaque from Winchester (if I remember correctly, it was a presentation piece to a senior Ba'ath Party member), and was in a felt lined leather case with a sword cane and a riding crop with a concealed dagger in it. Those rifles definitely got around. If you count the Miroku-made guns as actual Winchester and not a name-only reboot of the brand, then the design is still in circulation.
A 1979 manufactured Winchester model 94 in .30-30 was my second centerfire rifle, after a Norinco Type 56 SKS. Definitely not a big jump in recoil, but a decent jump in power. My first experience with a centerfire rifle was with a Savage 99 in .300 Savage. A model I want to add to the collection.
I own a few hunting rifles with scopes, detachable mags, etc, but I have to admit, for walking around the woods, nothing beats an 94 Winchester with iron sights. Light enough to not need a sling, accurate enough for inside of 100yds, and delivers more energy at 100yds than a 44magnum revolver at the muzzle. I want to go shoot my 94 again now lol
My Winchester 94 is a 1939 model according to the serial number. It was my grandpas, then my dads. He gave it to me as my 1st deer rifle. Its still like new cus I take good care of it. Just a few dings in the stock. Its basicly the 1st assault rifle. 30-30 is smaller than the average rifle round, shorter brass, but still enough to get the job done without overkill. It is my primary emergency bug out gun. Its compact yet powerful, easy to find ammo for, easy to use, never jams, decent fire rate, very accurate... and its sucha well known model, for some reason it doesn't frighten squares like a modern rifle. It doesn't look "mean". Only complaint you can make is its kinda heavy compared to a modern assault rifle. Its that single chunk of machined steel reciever. And they make composite stocks with a dovetail rail, tactical grip and suppressor-ready barrels. Though a Tac'd out 30-30 looks kinda funny, we are so used to seeing the stock model. I trust my Win94 to work when I need it to, and thats invaluable.
Excellent series, many thanks for explaining about Winchester models. Really love that besides gun mechanisms Ian mentions a lot of historical background and facts about the firearms.
I have one of these guns, a model 94 carbine made in 1965. less valuable than the than the pre 64 models mainly because the steel used in the different parts took the blueing finish with varying results. but still my favorite rifle. thanks Ian.
A 3030 model 94 was my first gun. Which I stupidly traded. Recently I got a winchester legendary frontiersman model 94. No plans to trade it. I'll get another 3030 eventually, but right now im enjoying shooting and reloading the 38-55. Id love to get a pistol caliber takedown model also.
It is a fine rifle. I still have my dads 32 special version that he passed down to me. Has the original nickel finish that i restored and then i updated it a bit with a pearsons tac rail and a long eye relief scope. Ammo is still available for it but is getting scarce so i save all my cartriges for reloading, i also neck up 30-30 cartriges to make my own, since those are readily available. Funny thing is about the 32. At one point a study was apparently done, and they said that the 32 special has a 20% higher success rate dropping deer.
I inherited one of these produced around 1930, in 32 Winchester Special. ammo isn't common, but still produced, it is by far one of the more fun guns I own. It's extremely accurate and came with a fantastic set of Redfield sights from the factory. No collection should be complete without adding one 94 to it.
I went many many many years without ever owning a 94, ironically because most of my gun collection is made up of rarities and unicorns. But for whatever reason I never found one that spoke to me - until finally, only just this year. A beautifully finished survivor from 1959. I plan on making it fully my own. Am currently reprofiling the stock to accept a crescent buttplate (a preference) and plan on some inlay in the wood before staining red and finishing with BLO. Very excited to finally be part of the club!
i have one of these and its a blast to shoot. The one I have is accurate, low recoil, and lighter than most other hunting rifles. And with 7 rounds in the tube it beats most modern rifles in capacity
When I ran out of 38-55 bullets I could use 30-30 bullets in shame chambers. I was taught this buy a local gun smith. When I shot the bullets the casings would expand for the normal sized Bullets, of which the gun smith would reload them again for me. For many years the bullets were hard to come by, so had to make my own.
The Model 94 isn't forgotten by me! It has been my go to rifle since 1961. Has taken Mule Deer, Pronghorn and Elk, never let me down! Now I use it on feral hogs.
Same for me although not much blueing left on mine. Being used by four generations of ranchers even with the best care and maintenence you will still lose the bluing.
My family has owned a Model 94 for atleast 80 years. It was originally my grandfather's gun. He passed it down to my father. It was probably the first rifle I ever shot. I have put hundreds and hundreds of rounds through it. I took my first deer with it. I had absolutely no idea that little peg under the lever was a safety.
As someone Japanese living in America and owning guns, I do love my modern sporting ARs and pistols, but I really, really want a lever action something fierce. I know all about Miroku. But I like the refinements Taylor's & Co. Does to other lever guns too.
I have a 1936 chambered in .32 and its the best damn walking around/brush gun ever made. Soooo glad I had the money at the time and I hunt with it yearly, they also make the best damn canoe gun too.
I feel a bit of attachment to the winchester 94 simply because I have handled and sold dozens of them. I worked in a sporting goods store in the 1980s and early 1990s, and sold these as late as 1992. Amazing that this then 98 year old design was one of the most popular guns we sold.
My grandfather gave me and my brother a rifle each when we were younger. I got an m1903a3 Springfield made in 43 and my brother got a model 94 winchester (pre 64, i think 50s). Id love to find a pre 64 to get myself.
Ian, I have enjoyed this series immensely. Is there any chance you could do a follow-up on Marlin lever actions designed throughout the same era, then compare and contract them to the Winchesters you've are going through now?
I have a 26in model with an octagonal barel and an original tang sight in 30wcf, made in 1899. Same configuration as the one my dad has made in 1911. Like father like son I guess 👍
My 90 year old grandfather gave me a model 94 from 1912 for Christmas that hes owned since the 40s. It is my most prized possession.
God bless my dad gave me his made in 1944 its stunning its my hunting rifle,I wasn't ever going to shoot it but he told he thats what it was made for.
Don’t ever sell it
Im never selling it. If I was homeless id sleep in the ditch with it.
Today my father said hes giving me my grandfather’s im so excited
My grandfather’s 94 (1950 manufacture) is my go-to deer rifle. My brother initially had it, but his wife is very anti-gun, so he gave it to me.
Today I was finally able to get my great grandfather's 94 back. It had been stolen almost 10 years prior. I can't express what it means to get my family heirloom back. I especially can't be happier that it's a Winchester 94.
"So, what made this rifle so popular? Well, it was a John Browning design..."
Ehhh that might be too much of a simplification. I doubt many people knew who John browning even was until much later in the 20th century. Browning made a good design but it was winchesters marketing and scale of production that enabled the model 94 to be made cheaply enough that a broad amount of people could afford to buy it. I mean look at winchesters competitors. Marlin had the first commercially successful 45-70 a full five years before Winchester. But it was the Winchester 86 that sold more units, despite Marlins rifle being arguably as strong as the 86 and smoother to operate. Marlin didn’t have the scale to beat out Winchester or the marketing. Bullard made a fantastic lever action in 45-70 but it was more expensive than the 86 and came out in the same year. Couple that with the fact Bullard was a much smaller company and didn’t have the marketing that Winchester had, and it doesn’t sell well enough to keep Bullard afloat till he is bought out by Winchester.
Reliable and strong like the majority of his designs most of the American classics are browning designs which is incredible.
Don't attribute everything to John Browning.. They are all modified versions of his falling block which he modified from European falling blocks . He and his TEAM added the sliding bolt and the lever w/ sliding cam surface to operate everything .
Who? Never heard of the guy 😂
The 1895 was also a John Browning design and it was the least popular of Winchester lever action rifles. So I don't think who the designer was had much, if anything to do with the popularity of the 1894
I have a 94 in .44 Rem Mag. It is late US production, and a wonderful gun. It is a Trapper model with a 16" barrel and a saddle ring. I just love it.
I personally believe that nearly everyone should have a model 94. It is a beautiful, refined, and fun rifle.
157RANDOM I just inherited my dad’s 30-30 Winchester ‘94. A true treasure.
My favorite rifle
I got mine from my grnadpa, I haven't shot it yet but it looks hella brand new and the serial numbers say it was made in 1916.
@@sanemountain2129 That's awesome. Mine is a 1975 production so a lot newer, with the post-1964 drop in quality. The bluing is not holding up so well.
i have a bb winchester
My dad gave me his Winchester 94 centennial 66. He bought it new and only fired 1 box of ammo in it. When he gave it to me, he told me to shoot a deer with it. I clipped a single point bungee sling to the saddle ring and went to the woods. I did shoot a deer on her second outing. Her name is "goldilocks" and I love that gun. And my dad. Happy Fathers Day!
Kingwiththeax My friend and I bought the carbine and rifle at a gun show. He took the carbine cause he's short and me being tall I took the rifle. My main .30-30 was being used by my sister this year. I used my centennial 66, let me tell you, walking through the woods with that shiny gold and octagonal barrel just takes you back. Took a doe at 100 yards, enjoy that rifle.
100 years from now, one of Ian's grandkids will be doing a retrospective series just like this on the AR-15.
You mean things like CZ Brens... Scars, ARX.
And little gun manufactures like Hi Point, Kel Tec
@@JesusChrist8451 I think more realistically we will someday be able to get higher velocities using less propellant in smaller casings.
@@LUR1FAX Yeah. With guns, cars, machines period, the goal while inventing or renovating is to make something put in twice as much work with as little money spent and effort possible.
@@JesusChrist8451 I have a picture of Obi Wan (Ep. 2) framed up and on my mantle to see how many people think he's Jesus. Hahaha! Love the picture man.
Hey guys thanks for tuning into another video on AncientWeapons.com Im Ian Jr. and today we will be looking at the AR-15 rifle this rifle is generally known as being the most popular civilian rifle in the United States for the latter half of the 20th century and the entire 21st century as well as serving in the U.S. military and militaries around the world for all that time under designations of M16, M4 and M416.
This may be the least forgotten weapon ever featured on your channel
Mauser 98, AK-47, AR-15 and MG42? x)
This may be but it is the culmination to a series so there is that. (Did he, the Gun Jesus™, need a break from obscure weapons profiling?)
@@hjorturerlend M1911
@@hjorturerlend he hasnt covered the MG42 yet, actually
edit: nvm glory to the buzzsaw
@@hjorturerlend it should also be mentioned that this gun is recognizable internationally, every Latin American home used to have a .30-30 Winchester carabine, basically.
I’ve got one,I just received it on my 14th birthday,it’s been passed down many generations and one day I will pass it down to my son or daughter.
"If this pin isn't depressed, the trigger will not pull."
Damn it, the rifle won't fire! Hey, pin, did it ever occur to you that all life is is just a slow march to the grave?
Fuck, now I'M depressed. Thanks guy.
That's not the way to do it! You gotta scream at it and tell the pin that its a piece of shit and it'll never amount to anything even if you scraped it and used it for a more modern gun. Works all the time for me! (FYI don't do this, care, RESPECT, and LOVE is what these classy cannons need nowadays)
All you gotta do is handle and shoot one of these little iconic rascals and you're smitten. Even the 1964 thru 2006 models are still awesome. The handiness of these little rifles almost rivals the ease and ergos as an AR15.
One gun I really wish I had bought was a model 94 with a 4 digit serial number and the 26" octagon barrel. For $295 back in the '90s. They don't make 'em like that any more.
Oh god... ouch 😫
Thanks Ian for the Henry/Winchester lever gun evolution. Fantastic history lesson. I've known all of those rifles, but never gave much thought into their evolutions, until now. Thanks again!!!! History is such a wonderful and fascinating journey, isn't it!?!?
Picked up my 1899 model 94, in .38-55 a week ago, so excited to see what she can do
Where did you manage to find.38-55 ammo?
It was amazing how ingenious the design was all that time ago
25-35 was the first smokeless powder gun offered by winchester. the 30 wcf came out 4 months later.
My Grandpa left my Father and I a pre-64 Model 94 Carbine. It was the first gun he bought after he moved to America from Germany in the 50's. They truly are great rifles.
"Assuming you watched the last two videos"
Ian knows his audience well!
The M94 was popular with Texas Peace Officers too. It was a big step up from the .44-40.
I love my 94, I'm on the second one, first was an AE rifle in 357 which was a disappointment, latest one is a 1958 carbine made 30/30 and most of the reciprocating parts were heavily worn but the bore was fine, I guess an armchair cowboy had been cycling it while watching john wayne movies on tv. A new link and lifter spring brought it back to 100% and it's great for all I need it for.
A wonderful series, loved the history brought to life, thanks!
The rifle arrived today and I dialed in the scope just a couple hours ago ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxQt2uORDRfFOVSrO4idv4B90ThT6EOnEL . I haven’t shot with a scope in probably 25 years. The X on the left was my target. (the shot almost in the bullseye on the right X was my father in laws first shot after I made adjustments) The two shots circled are my first 2 shots. Then I brought it down - shot once. Then brought it over to the left. From there zeroed it in to dead center. This all was from 25 yards out. Follow instructions carefully when mounting the scope. So far I'm very happy with the purchase.
I'm 78 years old now and in the 60s
I bought a brand new 30/30 Winchester model 94, and later bought a Winchester model 9422 LR. I just got an 1894, but it's a 177 co2 pellet gun. It works exactly the Winchester with shells and side loading gate and even ejects the shells. Lots of fun.
holy hell I have a model 94 manufactured in 1897, it's so amazing to see something I own being reviewed by Ian.
They're safe to shoot right? I see one at a gun store but they're unknowledable and suggest it might not be safe to shoot. Dont see a reason why the antiques are unsafe
@@MrJerry160 Yes, they are safe to shoot, Just keep em clean and don't use hot ammo in it to prevent wear
@@fieryfive0127 what is this " HOT AMMO ? "
@@nicolainicolaev3153 Hot ammunition is higher pressure loads often designed to get the max performance out of a cartridge, in this case those higher velocities and the higher chamber pressure would wear out the gun faster. If you want to see what Hot Ammunition can do look up Ian's Video on Turkish surplus 8mm Mauser
@@fieryfive0127 Thank you
Thanks Ian, another superb series. The '94's close to my heart (well, actually 4ft away in a locked cabinet in case the firearms guys are watching), mine's a modern version in .357 mag - but still great to shoot here in the UK.
Well done Mr. King indeed. A simple dam improvement, but it improved it so much. Hell, it might even be the feature that made the rifle practical.
I get a kick how it took "Henry" company years to add a loading gate, and then they touted it as a, "new feature...side gate!"
:D
My 94 is not forgotten,, i still shoot it,, it will always be my favorite rifle....
I bought one of these recently for 289 bucks chambered in 30-30 with a scope and sling. From what I can tell it was a new haven made one but the scope is made in japan. It’s my first John browning designer gun.
Just inherited my father's 1952 model 94. Loved that small, noisy rifle as a boy and look forward to taking it out for another hunt in the future.
I fired my first Winchester on a trip to Canada. Wonderfully balanced, light and came to the shoulder brilliantly!
Outstanding video. Very informative and exciting. The Winchester model 94 is the greatest rifle ever manufactured.
In 1894 it might've been the best and I love mine but best ever is a bit of a stretch. It's a great little carbine but my ar10 in 6.5 creedmoor is better in every way.
Last winter I found a .30 WCF Model 94 in excellent condition with a serial number 4369 mg on 1895. Great rifle. I have three all pre 1964.
I picked up a 4 digit 94 a few years back. Sold it to a friend for 600.00 (hes a good friend lol).
Hope to get a pre 60's the one I have is 70's.
This gun is definitely not forgotten I still see a lot of the older people I know hunting with these
I rewatch the Winchester series every so often because I love these guns, and it’s a well made series.
I love the 30-30 my old man have been using it for moose hunting for at least 15 to 20 years and it’s still his go to rifle when he gets his license I haven’t seen him clean the gun once and the thing still runs like a dream and will cycle and fire every round you put through it
I have a ~1901 'Sporting Rifle' with a 26" barrel. Its a *beast*
I've got one of these beauties in .44-40 Winchester. It's a 1977 Winchester Commemorative Cheyenne Carbine. Only 10,000 made and only sold in Canada. It had already been shot before when I acquired it so I shoot it as well, and it's great to take to the range.
Keep up the great content Ian. Nice to see a firearms channel that goes into details about development and implementation of different weapons from history.
Mine is a ,32 WS that's 111 years old. Father got it from a rancher in the late 50s when parts of L.A. County in CA were still nice places to live in with plenty of open spaces and lots of hunting. Anywayyyyyys...my father had it blued after he got it. The wood on it is shiny and beautiful, like it was polished recently. So it looks incredibly new! It was the very first rifle that I ever shot when I was 15 or 16. I only shot it once after my brother shot it, and I wasn't thrilled. That was a bad experience because it felt like I was being forced to shoot. I remember looking at it in my parents' closet as a child and looking at the cartridges for it like they were toys. It was always fascinating to look at the ammo and the gun. I knew even as a child that I dare not touch it. But it was always on a shelf and out of reach. I always thought that the Army gave him that rifle after he served as a paratrooper. I guess I thought that way because I would see his military clothes and other related paraphernalia near the rifle. After moving to another house, it was like it never existed. It was something that I hadn't even thought about because it was hidden away for a long time. Only a few years ago did I find out that he bought it in the late 50s after he did his service. After he left for a while for business, I looked underneath his bed and found it. I liked the feel of it and told him on the phone about it. He then gave it to me after I mentioned it. I was a little surprised but elated. I found out he had given it to a friend but then got it back after my mother got angry about it. I'm very fortunate to have received it. I shot it for the second time in my life a few years ago in the desert after having first shot it back in 1981-82. It seemed too powerful and scary to me at that time, so I never cared about shooting. I got the shooting bug a few years ago, and that's when I rediscovered the rifle and received it shorty afterwards. Shooting it several times a few years ago was really a pleasure. I was able to hit a small steel target about 300 yards away several times. It is amazingly accurate and easy to shoot. I was surprised by how little recoil it had compared to my shotgun. I stocked up on thousands of rounds of ammo for it several years ago because the ammo was so hard to find. It's one of my home defense guns, but I have more suitable guns for that. Nevertheless, it's something that might come in handy during a situation that I never imagined.
Loving the series. Looking forward to the 1895. Wasn't aware of the locking lug differences, etc from the 1892. Very well thought out. Great video as always. Thank you
The '86 and '92 system is still stronger though, interestingly enough. You'll notice that 454 Casull lever rifles are on the '92 pattern, not the '94.
@@LibertysetsquareJack yes that is true. I have noticed that. For some strange reason, i have been wanting a 38-55 for years. My 30-30 is a Marlin (as well as a 357), but my large bore PCC's are Win Trappers- angle eject 44 mag and a 2002 vintage 45 Colt
The Winchester '94 Model in 25-35 was introduced in 1895.
Great vid! I own a '94 and learned some new things about it here, awesome rifle.
Ian you should be awarded a Doctorate in Firearms...all your series of reviews is top notch!
My late father used the 32 Win special with a 20" barrel. He killed Grizzly, black bear, moose, elk and many, many, deer with his Winch lever. He was deadly with that rifle and I have never seen anyone who was as proficient as he was with that rifle...Faster than a bolt action since the cocking motion only takes two moves instead of 4 with a bolt action.. Light, handy, lethal, affordable, accurate enough for the range it was intended, a true American rifle that deserves it's place with honors in the firearm collection...
I found a 38-55 Winchester the other day. Built in 1901, beautiful rifle.
Everyone says 30-30 is a deer rifle. Well where I live here in Canada the 30-30 has been taking Moose since its inception. I personally dont own a 30-30. My 94 is 32 Win special it has taken moose as well, not by me however but by my father and great uncle.
30-30 was super popular in Alaska too. Not so much anymore, more because people prefer more modern designs than anything else.
james ranger same here in Quebec !
Here in east Tennessee a deer or bear is as big as the game gets. I wouldn't hesitate to take either with my 30/30.
30-30 all around great Canadian rifle. Hunting in BC many 30-30's seen use in the bush on all sorts of game
Ditto for my model 94; chambered in 32 special. My dad's first deer rifle, bought new circa 1955. The one gun of mine I would be first to run out the door with of the house was on fire.
I have a model 94 made in the 30s. It was given to me by an old man. His dad had bought it for him new back then and it has a side mounted scope on it.
I'm just liking these videos even before I watch them now, Ian is that good, I know I'm going to like them and find them fascinating.
I like Hickok 45's demo's.....
but I also love these videos by RIA.
I own a model 94 and I absolutely love it. it's everything I could ever ask for in a hunting rifle (aside from a scope) and it shoots like a dream.
it was my grandfather's, and has a serial number from '41 and still lists its ammunition as 30 WCF lol
I enjoy all of your videos but your lever action series is so good it inspired me to support your channel on Patreon.
Thanks!
I have one of these that's been passed down in my family. Amazing gun, even now
I personally used one of these rifles which belonged to my dad for deer hunting and for small game. Had very little kick and shot almost like a 22. It was so darn accurate I wish I still had one! I loved it so much. (from Oregon)
Thanks for the great and informative video. I just purchased my first pre '64 '94!
Once again, a great review by Ian. Thank you!
Very good information on the 1894 Winchester.
Inherited a 94 carbine take-down model in .32WS from my wife's uncle, serial #'s put it about 1920 mfr. Last shot it about 20yrs ago, shot great. Tightened up the lever mechanism about 10yrs ago. Gunsmith valued it at $1800
Damn, it looks like 12 more hours till the 1895 video. I can't wait! I've already seen his other 1895 video!
I have a 94 in 38-55. It's an old timer. My dad bought it back in the early 60's and it was an old gun then.
Mine was made just a little over 2,000,000 rifles later.
I have so enjoyed this videos. You did just a wonderful job and you're fun to listen to!
My grandfather left me his model 94 which he bought new. Great gun.
I sold mine after having it 45 years because my back has gone I miss it its a great gun
That hex barrel is a take-down! Beautiful.
Sorry for the dumb question, how did they measure projectile speed back in those days?
Maybe you should make a special episode on where you explain 1800's technologies and manufacturing techniques 👍
see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_chronograph
I think the most common method used in the late 19th century used a pair of spinning paper wheels, these were on a common axis spinning at a known rate. The gun being tested would fire a bullet parallel to the axis of rotation. You'd measure the difference between the two holes to see how far the wheels had rotated, then use a bit of math and the wheels' known rotation speed to figure out the bullet velocity.
@@WalkaCrookedLine That is an ingenious idea! I'm glad you shared it.
Pendulums and geometry.
I saw a 100th Anniversary Model 94 in Iraq in 2003. It had gold inlay, a small gold commemorative plaque from Winchester (if I remember correctly, it was a presentation piece to a senior Ba'ath Party member), and was in a felt lined leather case with a sword cane and a riding crop with a concealed dagger in it. Those rifles definitely got around. If you count the Miroku-made guns as actual Winchester and not a name-only reboot of the brand, then the design is still in circulation.
Wish we could see a picture of it in country!
A 1979 manufactured Winchester model 94 in .30-30 was my second centerfire rifle, after a Norinco Type 56 SKS. Definitely not a big jump in recoil, but a decent jump in power. My first experience with a centerfire rifle was with a Savage 99 in .300 Savage. A model I want to add to the collection.
How many here have one of these? Drop a like if you've got one.
Boomerisadog how about two of them plus an old Marlin
I have a 94. Model 1959. #2 million something
I inherited a model 84 from my papa. Made in 1909. I’m working on restoring it for my son one day.
Yes, I have one from the late 70's.
32 SPL Wrangler here - Never shot.
Would you do a series on the Marlin rifles? I really an curious.
this is the best.
not enough ppl talk about the guns that are such a big part of our history(American).
I own a few hunting rifles with scopes, detachable mags, etc, but I have to admit, for walking around the woods, nothing beats an 94 Winchester with iron sights. Light enough to not need a sling, accurate enough for inside of 100yds, and delivers more energy at 100yds than a 44magnum revolver at the muzzle.
I want to go shoot my 94 again now lol
I have a model 94 from the fifties chambered in .32 special. I love it.
I also have a 9422M. Love it too. Really fun firearm.
My Winchester 94 is a 1939 model according to the serial number. It was my grandpas, then my dads. He gave it to me as my 1st deer rifle. Its still like new cus I take good care of it. Just a few dings in the stock.
Its basicly the 1st assault rifle. 30-30 is smaller than the average rifle round, shorter brass, but still enough to get the job done without overkill.
It is my primary emergency bug out gun. Its compact yet powerful, easy to find ammo for, easy to use, never jams, decent fire rate, very accurate... and its sucha well known model, for some reason it doesn't frighten squares like a modern rifle. It doesn't look "mean". Only complaint you can make is its kinda heavy compared to a modern assault rifle. Its that single chunk of machined steel reciever.
And they make composite stocks with a dovetail rail, tactical grip and suppressor-ready barrels.
Though a Tac'd out 30-30 looks kinda funny, we are so used to seeing the stock model.
I trust my Win94 to work when I need it to, and thats invaluable.
Excellent series, many thanks for explaining about Winchester models.
Really love that besides gun mechanisms Ian mentions a lot of historical background and facts about the firearms.
I used to play with my Dad's 30-30. It was the most interesting rifle because it was so short, and children are small so it makes a difference.
Thank Ian.
I have one of these guns, a model 94 carbine made in 1965. less valuable than the than the pre 64 models mainly because the steel used in the different parts took the blueing finish with varying results. but still my favorite rifle. thanks Ian.
A 3030 model 94 was my first gun. Which I stupidly traded. Recently I got a winchester legendary frontiersman model 94. No plans to trade it. I'll get another 3030 eventually, but right now im enjoying shooting and reloading the 38-55. Id love to get a pistol caliber takedown model also.
It is a fine rifle. I still have my dads 32 special version that he passed down to me. Has the original nickel finish that i restored and then i updated it a bit with a pearsons tac rail and a long eye relief scope. Ammo is still available for it but is getting scarce so i save all my cartriges for reloading, i also neck up 30-30 cartriges to make my own, since those are readily available. Funny thing is about the 32. At one point a study was apparently done, and they said that the 32 special has a 20% higher success rate dropping deer.
I inherited one of these produced around 1930, in 32 Winchester Special. ammo isn't common, but still produced, it is by far one of the more fun guns I own. It's extremely accurate and came with a fantastic set of Redfield sights from the factory. No collection should be complete without adding one 94 to it.
I went many many many years without ever owning a 94, ironically because most of my gun collection is made up of rarities and unicorns. But for whatever reason I never found one that spoke to me - until finally, only just this year. A beautifully finished survivor from 1959. I plan on making it fully my own. Am currently reprofiling the stock to accept a crescent buttplate (a preference) and plan on some inlay in the wood before staining red and finishing with BLO. Very excited to finally be part of the club!
I just found out mine was made in 1898! Still in great condition, too.
i have one of these and its a blast to shoot. The one I have is accurate, low recoil, and lighter than most other hunting rifles. And with 7 rounds in the tube it beats most modern rifles in capacity
When I ran out of 38-55 bullets I could use 30-30 bullets in shame chambers. I was taught this buy a local gun smith. When I shot the bullets the casings would expand for the normal sized Bullets, of which the gun smith would reload them again for me. For many years the bullets were hard to come by, so had to make my own.
I have the carbine variant, probably pre-1963 and was my grandfathers rifle
I had one and it was a 25-35.
The Model 94 isn't forgotten by me! It has been my go to rifle since 1961. Has taken Mule Deer, Pronghorn and Elk, never let me down! Now I use it on feral hogs.
I had one in .32 Winchester special
my 1894 still has the original blueing. got it from my grandfather he got it from his father far as iam told.
Same for me although not much blueing left on mine. Being used by four generations of ranchers even with the best care and maintenence you will still lose the bluing.
My dad has a 94' and i love that gun
My family has owned a Model 94 for atleast 80 years. It was originally my grandfather's gun. He passed it down to my father. It was probably the first rifle I ever shot. I have put hundreds and hundreds of rounds through it. I took my first deer with it. I had absolutely no idea that little peg under the lever was a safety.
As someone Japanese living in America and owning guns, I do love my modern sporting ARs and pistols, but I really, really want a lever action something fierce. I know all about Miroku. But I like the refinements Taylor's & Co. Does to other lever guns too.
I have a 1936 chambered in .32 and its the best damn walking around/brush gun ever made. Soooo glad I had the money at the time and I hunt with it yearly, they also make the best damn canoe gun too.
I feel a bit of attachment to the winchester 94 simply because I have handled and sold dozens of them. I worked in a sporting goods store in the 1980s and early 1990s, and sold these as late as 1992. Amazing that this then 98 year old design was one of the most popular guns we sold.
I have my uncles Win 94 30/30. Its deadly accurate compact and lightweight. I have many modern rifles but if I had to choose one it would be that one.
Can you do a similar series on the Marlin guns?
Grant Kleinpeter i second that
third
My grandfather gave me and my brother a rifle each when we were younger. I got an m1903a3 Springfield made in 43 and my brother got a model 94 winchester (pre 64, i think 50s). Id love to find a pre 64 to get myself.
Ian, I have enjoyed this series immensely. Is there any chance you could do a follow-up on Marlin lever actions designed throughout the same era, then compare and contract them to the Winchesters you've are going through now?
I have a 26in model with an octagonal barel and an original tang sight in 30wcf, made in 1899. Same configuration as the one my dad has made in 1911. Like father like son I guess 👍
This collectors piece will never been forgotten. I use mine often, and so does several people I know.
I LOVE my 1894 carbine (it's a 1963 production model)