Winchester 94 AE Ranger
Overall Length = 38 inches
Weight = 6.25 lbs
Barrel Length = 20 inches
Barrel Twist = 1 turn in 12 inches
Cartridge = .30-30 Winchester
Magazine Capacity = 6 round (tubular magazine)
Manufacture of Winchester rifles and shotguns in the USA ceased in 2006. I purchased this Model 94 AE Ranger new sometime between 1992 and 2002 (I'll dig out the records when I get a chance and update my memory along with this blog entry). I may have purchased this rifle from a Kmart store; I paid somewhere around $200 if memory serves. Purists lament the cost saving manufacturing changes that were used post 1964, but I am of the opinion that the final years of USA manufacturing were not bad at all; this is a jim-dandy knockabout .30-30 carbine.
THE FOLLOWING IS FROM WIKIPEDIA (CLICK HERE for the entire Wikipedia article)
... U.S. Repeating Arms did not flourish, declaring bankruptcy in 1989. It was subsequently purchased by Belgian arms maker FN Herstal, which set about improving the whole Winchester line, instituting modern CNC methods of production at Winchester's (USA) factory while also seeking to expand the sales and marketing of Winchester rifles worldwide. This effort would culminate in two major changes to the gun in 1992: the reintroducing of now-CNC-machined parts and solid pins back into the action, and the elimination of the traditional half-cock safety notch on the hammer in favor of a cross-bolt safety, which enabled the gun to be sold internationally.
Though the increase in build quality was noted at the time, it was the conspicuous presence of the new safety that generated the strongest opinions. It was widely reviled by American consumers and gun writers alike as a "lawyer" safety, who said it detracted from the overall look, feel, and operation of the rifle. FNH and Winchester responded in 2003 by moving the safety to the tang behind the receiver, which largely quelled the controversy. Both the last Model 94s to leave the New Haven factory before American production ceased in 2006 and the new Model 94s produced in Japan since 2010 by Miroku Corp. feature these tang-mounted safeties
The receiver came from the factory drilled and tapped for mounting a scope.
Back when I bought this box of ammo I probably thought the store (now long gone) was price-gouging.
I have one. It often rides in the trunk of my car. Not a EBR, but six rounds of .30-30 should do what needs to be done. I might look into the Hornady LEVERevolution fodder, though.
ReplyDeleteHeh, oh heck yeah! I'd say everyone in the USA (perhaps the world) knows what a Model 94 looks like ... and it certainly would looks like big trouble to those on the wrong end.
ReplyDeleteNice rifle you have there.
ReplyDeleteI have always liked Winchesters, at least somewhat but have never bought one of their lever guns if only because they top eject. With regard to ejection, I much prefer a Marlin lever gun.
As for that ammo, it is currently going for only $13.20 a box at this place: https://vizardsgunsandammo.com/rem-ammo-r30302-core-lokt-30-30-win-core-lokt-soft-point-170-gr-20box-10case/. No idea what they charge for shipping but not a bad price nowadays for the ammo.
Nice Winchester, it’ll get the job done. The later models were definitely easier to mount a scope to.
ReplyDeletehttp://wilson--blog.blogspot.com/2014/12/people-with-guns-collection-77.html
The Win 30-30 was the first firearm I bought after I came of age. That was in 1977. I bought it new from the hardware store for around $125. I sure have made great memories with it.
ReplyDeleteAs this was California I think it befitting to mention that it took about 5 minutes to complete the purchase. I had no need for the shipping box so left that at the store. I walked out the store and a bit down the sidewalk carrying a rifle and two boxes of cartridges. No one batted an eye.
Rick
Hi Zack
ReplyDeleteLove the 30-30 Winchester, it's the first full bore rifle I ever shot when I was a teenager.
In 1977 I visited relatives in Canada. We stayed with a friend of theirs for a couple of days in BC and he had an ancient pitted 30-30 Winchester on his wall. It had been dredged up from some local river I believe. He let me handle it and then took me to his gun safe which held a mint 30-30. I think it was a Carbine as I remember the barrel being shorter that the one in your photo.
Next day he took me up to his local range and set up some clays (not far away)which I duly blasted. No ear protection and I thought it had a bit of a kick at the time.
He was surprised that I knew how to load and operate it without instruction, but as I explained - I had been watching Westerns since I could remember - how could I not know!
All the best!
JonT
Wonderful woods gun, the Winchester 94. The receiver is a comfortable place to carry in hand (though the 1892's rounded bottom is even better). Flat profile, moderate recoil, not too loud and easy to find ammunition for - a lot to like. The local Wal-Mart has Remington green box 150 grain SP for a bit over $15 and no shipping cost at all.
ReplyDeleteI have better accuracy with an aperture receiver sight (Lyman 66 I believe it is), and if it is a scope, the AE versions are easier to accomodate. If you can locate a functioning Redfield FrontIER mount and scope, it is worth consideration. The IER is of course Intermediate Eye Relief, a 2 1/2x 'scout mount' scope in front of receiver, replacing rear saddlehorn sight assembly. Sweet little rig if can be found - manufactured in late 1960's if I remember correctly. The sight was made for the Winchester 94 and Remington 600, that too a fine carrying carbine with more power.