Hello all.

Not only am I new to Winchesters, but I'm also new to lever-action rifles. A year or so ago I delved head first into the pistol scene and have been in that ever since. Recently I decided that my collection deserves a fine rifle, and since I always fancied the Winchester 94 I've decided that it will be the first that I will add to it.

But being the rifle greenhorn that I am I'm not exactly sure which one I should get, or what I should be looking at/for in deciding. I do know that I like lever-action, and I prefer the look and feel of the 94 to all other lever-action rifles I've come across. I also like the size and maneuverable of shorter barrels (18"). A quick browse over the Winchester Guns website led me to the 94 Timber. Any thoughts on that one? Perhaps there is a better compact 94 that I should be considering?

Also, what sorts of options do I have for accessories? The only two things that I'm aware of and that I imagine I would like are a quality sling (any recommendation on where to look for those?) and one of those stock ammo carriers (not sure what they're called).

Any other advice or recommendations that you can make would also be much appreciated.

Thanks for your patience with this rifle greenhorn. :)

Buy a saddle ring trapper in .45 Colt. Don't alter it. It's perfect as-is. No peeps, no optics. Maybe have Steve Young do an action job.

Buy a saddle ring trapper in .45 Colt. Don't alter it. It's perfect as-is. No peeps, no optics. Maybe have Steve Young do an action job.


Good choice! A very versitile and fun rifle and the 16" barrel will fit you criteria.

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I could certainly be off the mark here, but it seems to me that the Winchester Model 94 is the lever action that all others are measured against, and you would probably be very pleased with one if that is what you choose to obtain.

I now own my Dad's model 94 in .30-30 - it's a shorter carbine length with the barrel band as opposed to the fore end tip. My family owned a farm in Nebraska until 1972, and that is the rifle that accompanied him most of the time when he was farming. To say that it has taken a coyote or two would probably be a major understatement.

This was also the first "big boy" rifle I shot as a kid, and it has been a favorite of mine ever since. I would almost go as far to say that a gun collection, large or small, is not truly complete without a Winchester 94, but that's just my opinion, and opinions always vary. To me, there is just something special about a Winchester lever gun - for other's it's Marlin, but my preference is for the Winchester over the Marlin.

You are bound to get personal opinions on this subject.
Mine is the 30/30 carbine.It's light and handy,and has a little more range then the 45.
Frank

Handy and powerful is a 94 Winchester chambered 30-30. Mine is near the back door now. A good combination "as issued". Other cartridges are also good. I just never felt the need to try them!

Cheezywan

On second thought, the .30-30 will be cheaper to feed, unless you reload. .44 Would be reasonable, as would .357 for factory ammo, though I personally consider the latter rather anemic.

You did mention the word "collection" so I am going to advise you to select a pre-'64 model 94 Winchester (under serial #2,700,000). These rifles will gain more value in the future.