First time rifle -- Winchester 94?

vanity | 11-27-04 | self

[wildcatf4f3]

Went shooting for the first time in my life. Friend had a Winchester 94, walnut. I was intrigued, how many movies have I seen this rifle in? It felt so natural and I was actually hitting targets within a few shots. Would this be a good starter rifle?

[wildcatf4f3]

Wanting to hear from those with more experience

[Bryan]

Not a bad choice. Very simple to operate, as you probably found out, and plenty of recognition from the movies.

[Bryan]

You might want to consider a semi-automatic .22 caliber as a starter rifle. No scope. Learn how to shoot with the iron sights first.

But a Winchester 94 in .30-30 caliber is also a good pick. The lever action makes you start from scratch with your aim every time you chamber a round, which is why I suggest a semi-auto.

Cool screen name. The first carrier based fighter that met the Mitsubishi Zero on even terms.

[endthematrix]

30/30 is the most popular cartridge, and the '94 is probably the most popular rifle too. I've fired in .357 and it's a great carbine.

[Boundless]

> Would this be a good starter rifle?

For what purposes?
And what caliber is contemplated?

For "Cowboy Action Shooting"?, the '94 probably ideal.

The '94 is not really a target rifle (Jimmy Stewart notwithstanding).

Assuming you opt for .30-30, this may be OK for
short-range deer hunting, but is not a highly-regarded
hunting round.

Rate of fire less than ideal for many defense scenarios.

Centerfire is expensive for plinking, compared to rimfire.
The tapered case walls make it less pleasant to re-load
your own ammo, compared to straight-wall cases, which
can take advantage of carbide dies.

[fire_eye]

Just do it.

[Nita Nupress]

If you're going to go with the .30-30 caliber, my experience has been that Marlin makes a better rifle than Winchester.

[wildcatf4f3]

This was a 30/30 I fired, bit of a kick but not too bad. I've kept the coffee can I hit. Really whacked it. I afraid I've got the bug. I kinda like this rifle because it has that authentic feel same as my Fender Telecaster or a Snapon wrench.

[Squantos]

Ohhhh and smart too !.........:o)

[Nita Nupress]

same as my Fender Telecaster

NOW you're talking!

[Nita Nupress]

:-)

[investigateworld]

Good choice, but do, as previously suggested pick up a plinker .22.

[Stoat]

Model 94, Heritage Limited Edition High-Grade, One of One Thousand

Model 94, Legacy

Model 94, Ranger®

Model 94, Timber

Model 94, Traditional

Model 94, Traditional-CW

Model 94, Trails End™

Model 94, Trails End™, Octagon Case-Colored

Model 94, Trapper™

Model 94, Ranger® Compact

For over 100 years, the ageless Winchester® Model 94 has been a favorite of cowboys, hunters and shooters. Through the years, not much has changed from the original Model 94. Why alter perfection? Few rifles can boast of the combination of looks, hard working performance and reliability of the 94. The compact receiver keeps the weight centered between your hands. a noticeable lack of an external lever hinge below the receiver makes one-handed carrying convenient and easy. The smooth action makes cycling a fresh round into the chamber fast and effortless, an important feature for fast moving game like whitetail deer. The tang-mounted safety preserves its classic good looks. Now after 20 years, this timeless rifle is again available with a nostalgic octagon barrel in the Trails End model. But, most importantly, the Model 94 is the gun that works — and has worked for over a century.

Although you don't tell us about yourself (age,  future plans for the gun i.e. hunting, precision target, plinking, home defense, etc) one of the Model 94's would likely be a great choice, particularly if you already feel at ease with it....a major stumbling block for a lot of first time shooters.  Too often, people start out with more than what they can handle first time around and it makes them flinch involuntarily thereafter, and this can sometimes be difficult to eradicate. In your case, with this gun, that wouldn't be an issue as you tell us that you're already comfortable with it.

It's simplicity allow you to concentrate on shooting and shooting accurately, not worrying about subtleties like gas adjustments, scope adjustments, etc.  It's a reliable, quality rifle that will serve you well unless you specify more details about yourself or your intentions that might suggest something different.

[Nita Nupress]

Try going here: Marlin firearms

Shot my first deer with one in the early 70's and it's still solid as a rock. On the other hand, my husband's dad has a Winchester .30-30 of a similar date and I wouldn't use it to save my life. When you pick it up it feels like it's going to fall apart in your hands.

[Squantos]

Are ya gonna change yer moniker to Wehav'a Nupress now....?:o)

Actually I have a Model 92 Winchester . A takedown in 44-40 that is well built but have to agree with the Marlin choice for one rifle. My Model 1895 (pre safety) 45-70 is a very well made and accurate strong lever gun.

Had a Model 94 that had a very low serial number and as I shoot vs collect I traded it for a Jeep .

Stay safe Nita !

[Nita Nupress]

I thought about that name change thingy the other day, as a matter of fact. Somehow it doesn't seem right anymore! I like your "Wehav'a" idea much better than my "Gotta" idea. lol! But I'm kind of fond of the Nita part. Guess I need to find something else we need now, don't I? ;-)

I'm not sure what model that Winchester is. Maybe his dad just didn't take care of it or something. I'd hate to trash Winchester based on that one experience alone.

I hope you enjoyed the Jeep. ;-)

[Swordmaker]

The '94 is not really a target rifle (Jimmy Stewart notwithstanding).

That was a "One of One-Thousand" Winchester model 1873 rifle. I owned one, once. Wish I still did.

For "Cowboy Action Shooting"?, the '94 probably ideal.

The better choice there is one of the modern copies of the Winchester 1892. The movies most often used the '92 because it would take the five-in-one blanks they used for everything they could. Cheap. The modern copies in modern pistol calibers that are much cheaper to shoot than rifle rounds.

[Nita Nupress]

Hey, if you decide to go with a plinker .22, I used to have one of these and loved it:

Link for info: http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/selfLoading22wTubularMag/index.htm

Honest to gosh, I don't work for Marlin. I just love their stuff. :-)

Another great .22 rifle is a Ruger 10/22 carbine. You absolutely can't go wrong with that.

[Swordmaker]

My Model 1895 (pre safety) 45-70 is a very well made and accurate strong lever gun.

I once owned Zane Grey's Model 95 Take Down in .30-'06. Wish I still had that too. Had a Model 94 that had a very low serial number and as I shoot vs collect I traded it for a Jeep .

I had an 1876 Saddle Ring Carbine with the serial number of 76! .45-90 if I recall correctly. Heavy. Sold it for about five grand twenty-five years ago. Also had an extremely rare 1886 Saddle Ring Carbine in .45-70. Looked almost brand new. There were fewer than 100 of those made.

[Squantos]

Rare indeed.....never even heard of a 1895 in 06....wow !

Like I said I shoot em and short of firearms handed down from friends and or relatives I don't collect. My one collector grade firearm is a mint NIB ASP with all the accessories that was issued to one of my troops . He didn't like it, I took it !........:o)