Pre 64 Winchester

[EOD3]

How do you tell the difference between a pre 64 and post 64 Winchester model 94?

EOD3

[John Traveler]

The most visible difference is easy:

On the bottom center of the pre-1964 M94 Winchester (where the lever/trigger guard is attached), there is a single screwhead.  The post-64 M94 does not have it.

Internally, the pre-64 has machined cartridge lifter and  guides.  The post-64 uses a stamped cartridge lifter.

Pre-64 has a deeper, richer, classic blue finish.  Post-64 is blued on iron-plated steel, and not as deep.

There are other differences too, but these are the most obvious.

HTH
John

[EOD3]

John, I’m sorry I didn’t post earlier but work gets in the way.  I have an old Sears Winchester 94 that I’d like to get new wood and furniture for but I don’t know what to buy.  I’ve had the rifle since 67 but I’ve never seen another one like it.  It has a (I think) birch stock.  It probably isn’t worth anything to anybody else but me but I’d like to restore it for sentimental reasons.

EOD3

[Mikey]

E0D3:  I recently asked a couple of dealers and gunsmiths about getting a decent set of wood for a Winchester lever I have and they quoted me exhorbitant prices.  I haven't yet been able to get to the precision stock web site to see what thier prices are like but I'm wondering just how much something like that would cost.  I have an older Model 94 that could probably use some new wood but the staining around the pistol grip and the fore stock where it has been held a lot and some of the dings seem to add character.  At the price some of these places want I think I might prefer the character.  If you get some prices on different grades of replacement wood stocks for that Winnie would you let us know what the range is.  Thanks.  Mikey.

[John Traveler]

EDD3,

The Winchester M1894 and Sears/Ted Williams model are one and the same.  Winchester made them for Sears and under the Ted Williams name too.  The Sears version may have a slightly shorter magazine tube and fore-end cap or band.  Those are the only differences.  A (4 stock will fit the Sears perfectly.  Early vs late M94 production differences include changing from flat leaf mainspring to coil mainspring.  The buttstock spring cleearance cuts (not visible from outside) may be slightly different.

EDD3 & Mikey,

Yes, I know, replacement walnut stocks are very pricey, but that is the nature of the fancy walnut and supply and demand these days.  Try a web search for "new rifle stocks".  Richards Microfit in Sun Valley, CA (the Los Angeles area) had some nice, and reasonably-priced M94 Winchester wood the last time I looked.  But you have to do the final fitting and finishing yourself.  Not hard work, but two or maybe three evenings (15-20 hours?) of DETAILED scraping, filing, sanding, and rubbing will give you a beautiful stock.  I've done a few several years ago and they came out nice!

HTH
John

[Mikey]

John:  thanks for the lead.  Also, I called Boyds today to see if they sold stocks for the Model 94 as the add they posted in the lastest Shotgun Blues did not list that particular model and yes indeedy they do.  They are sending out a catalog which includes pricing for finished as well as unfinished stocks.  As soon as I get it I will post some of the pertinent information.  Thanks again.  Mikey.

[Dand]

I didn't look close but I thought I saw basic grade walnut stocks available for the Win 94 in Cabela's and Midway - cost was real reasonable $30-$50 I think.  I doubt they will have fancy figure but probably plenty functional, and not birch.  Hope this helps.

[Winter Hawk]

You can look at Boyd's for your stock here: http://www.boydboys.com/BrowseEbus/2piecewin.asp

I bought a stock for my mod. 88 Winchester from them and am very pleased with it.

-Kees-