I have a pre-64 Win 94 (actually manufactured in 1961) that is in about new condition. Friends tell me that I am nuts to use it as my ranch rifle. They say I should save this gun as a collection piece and get a new one to use at the ranch.

Is the pre-64 really that much better a gun? Am I ruining a collection piece if I use it, or should I go ahead and carry it like I first intended? The old ones don't seem to sell for that much more than newer ones in the same condition on the boards I monitor.

Thanks for all advice.

I have two pre '64s and shoot both of them. Both were made on the mid-50s and are in excellent condition. As you said, they were made to shoot. I don't subject them to abuse or harsh conditions. If I can't shoot a gun, I quickly lose interest in having it. Just my thoughts...

I won't even say that the gun is any "better" but it does have collector's interrest. the few Winchester collectors i've known kind of sub-divide the pre-64's into pre-WWII and post WWII, paying the most for the Pre-WWII versions, but still paying a premium for the odd-ball calibers and of couse condition.

Condition is pretty key to any gun's value, but more so with pre-64' Winchesters. Why?...becasue they ae both collectosw guns and new enough that finding mint examples is possible and great condtion versions aren't uncommon. People who collect older guns (like Trapdoors or Winchester 66's) just don't run across very many minty examples....so Winchester M. 70's value is more conditon based.

If you bought it to shoot it, then shoot it. If you bought it to resell it later, then baby it.

I'd buy a pre-64 to shoot prefering to shoot a better quality gun. The post 64 guns are just as reliable, and accurate but many of the parts were now stamped steel and with less hand fitting of parts so lower tolerances so easier to slap together (read higher profit margin). You'll feel the differance by working the lever of both guns. Shoot the gun you have, take care of it, and enjoy it, and pass it on to your grand kids, shot or not it'll still increase in value, and i'm sure you'd rather shoot a quality gun that you have confidence in, and are proud of.

All good points, can't stand a wall hanger myself.

Shoot and enjoy!

Are the pre-64s better guns than the post 64s?....definitely in an asthetic sense. They're just built with more quality and attention and it's very obvious if you really look. In a practical sense? Probably not...most post 64s are gonna work as long as you need 'em to work, and work well.

As far as your gun? IMO, go ahead and use it! Just don't abuse it...in fact, take some pains to take extra good care of it!

If you want one to rattle around behind the seat of your pickup....then go buy a cheap post-64.