Author Topic: Model 94 AE in .356 win...Any input? (Read 1179 times)

gadgetman · « **on:** May 01, 2004, 07:41:11 AM »

Hi, I have found a older 94 in 356 win. it has a monte carlo stock, no crossbolt safety and no checkering. I can get it for about 250.00. Is this a good deal and is this a good round for Georgia deer and maybe a black bear hunt one day. I also would want to scope it with a low power scope- are the mounts available? Does the round have a lot of recoil? Is this a rare gun?

Any info on this rifle and caliber would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Gadgetman

olduvai george · « **Reply #1 on:** May 01, 2004, 02:46:51 PM »

Sir: I have one I use occasionally for Deer. It is very accurate at 100 yards with handloads and has a 2X10 scope. I use the 180 Speer Flat points and gotten the one medium deer I shot at. Seems to me it kills, based on one case, like an '06, and that's a good thing. Good Hunting, george

Kentone · « **Reply #2 on:** May 02, 2004, 04:01:41 PM »

Hi Gadgetman,

The 356 is a great cartridge, good knockdown power to about 150 yards.
The rifle you speak of would make a fine hunting gun.
I go to three or four gun shows a year and I look for a model 94 in
this chambering as well as one in 307.Found a 307 last year but price
was 550.00 so I passed on it. I don't think production was high on
these rifles.

You should pick that 356 up. I think you will like it!

Take Care

RIFLERANGER · « **Reply #3 on:** May 02, 2004, 09:05:07 PM »

I have the Marlin 336ER in 356.
It is a mulekicker to be sure. I would go one step further and tell you that if you handload, you have a 250 yard ELK rifle easy. Bear too.
Deer are no problem and you could load down for them.
It is based on the 308 case, but as opposed to the 358, it is a rimmed cartridge.
I hunted with it for one season topped with a 1.5-4X scope and found it to be too much gun for the Northeast Whitetail, so I hunt with the 336 in 44Mag with the same scope on it instead. This gives me all I need to over 125 yards which is much longer than my typical under 50 yard shot.
If you can pick one of these rifles up for $250, do not hesitate, because while the Marlins are fetching well over $500, the Winnies are certainly fetching more than $250 and someone else will beat you to it as happens frequently.
The rifle would not be underscoped with a higher powered scope on it if you need to shooot long. Something like a 3 - 9X or 3.5 - 10X.
Good luck.
Ranger

Prince of Wales · « **Reply #4 on:** May 03, 2004, 07:07:12 AM »

Chuck Hawks claims that of the Winchester Big Bores (307-356-375) this one is the best. Is supposed to be a rimmed version of the 358 Win. a very fine cartrige as well. Buy it!. Best of luck. POW

Ganjiro · « **Reply #5 on:** May 04, 2004, 11:06:33 AM »

Great rifle at a great price $250 a steal. They only increase in value every year due to it's scarcity, and collector value. The only minus is ammo availability. Make sure you save all your brass. This gun is angle eject so no problem mounting a scope, it'll take the same bases as a standard 94. You should consider mounting a receiver peep sight. Go back and buy that gun ASAP for $250.00 even if just as an investment.

NYH1 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 04, 2004, 07:25:39 PM »

I bought a Winchester model 94 Big Bore in 356 Win. from a guy I work with last year for $200. He only wanted what he paid for it. He bought it at a gun show ten years ago. I personally think Marlin makes a much better gun then Winchester, but for $200 I couldn't pass! I actually gave it to my dad, he'll never use it but who cares, he likes it!!! :grin: I wish Marlin would make a 356 Win. again, I would buy one tomorrow! I have a 336CS in 35 Rem. but I'd much rather have one in 356 Win.
In MY opinion the 356 Winchester is probably the best all around "lever action" (Marlin and winchester "tube feed" style rifle) hunting cartridge there is! It will do everything a 30-30 Win. or 35 Rem. will do and a lot more. I also have a 444 Marlin. If I could have bought a Marlin in 356 Win. I wouldn't have needed the 444 Mar. I use the 35 Rem. for deer and the 444 Mar. (not yet) for bear and wild boar hunting. The 356 Win. is right in between the 35 Rem. and 444 Mar. Like I said I like the Marlin's better so thats what I use!!! :-D
If you like the Winchester model 94 then get it , you won't find a better "deer and black bear" cartridge out there!

gadgetman · « **Reply #7 on:** May 05, 2004, 10:59:48 AM »

for the input. I went ahead and got the rifle for $240.00. It is in good condition, just needs a good cleaning. I will handload some low and high power loads for it according to what I am hunting.
I also found that this is a very early gun that uses radial front base. This is a Winchester factory part that I am getting from Numrich. Any recommendations on a long eye relief scope? I cannot wait for Georgia deer season to start.
Thanks, Gary