94 Trapper

[jtex54]

I spotted this NIB 94 Trapper 30-30 at a LGS and just had to have it. It had never been fired or even handled much that I could tell. I most likely paid too much but it is a sweet little rifle. When I got it home, I found that it was made in 1980, just prior to USRAC taking over the company and immediately applying all the lawyer stuff to the guns like barrel warnings and safeties.

This little gun has a super smooth action and just feels as solid as my pre-64's and maybe better. I think these pre USRAC (1965-1981) rifles are going to become collectable as well. Like Colt, Winchester has had many generations of guns.

In 1866, Oliver Winchester reorganized the New Haven Arms Company and changed its name to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. In 1931 Western Cartridge Company (later Olin Corporation) purchased Winchester Repeating Arms and combined with it to form Winchester-Western.

In 1965, Winchester was the largest employer in New Haven and moved its main production line to East Alton, Illinois.

In 1981, The U.S. Repeating Arms Company was formed by Winchester employees to purchase the rights to manufacture Winchester brand rifles and shotguns in New Haven, Connecticut, under license from Olin Corporation.

In 1989, after bankruptcy of the employee organized corporation, USRAC was taken over by Fabrique Nationale de Herstal (FN), a Belgium based international group. Many models began production overseas.

In early 2006, it was announced that the plant in New Haven would close and production of several Winchester rifles would cease and some models would be continued in plants outside the United States.

So if you all see one of these pre-USRAC's laying around, you ought to consider grabbing them.

[Rifle 57]

Looks like you got a good one there.

[jtex54]

Thanks Rifle 57. That little 5lb'er kicks pretty good too. Its about as close as I can bring myself to an assault rifle. It has a special handy spot in the RV.

[laowho]

My wife was out shootin the 1952 Win 94 we got and has been askin when we're goin back (tomorrow). Like yours, it's like new (but for a scratch on the front fore stock). They don't seem to be doin bluing like it any more. Still tryin to get pics together. Ours is in 30-30 and she bruised herself a little on one shot only. Got her the lace up Kick Killer and added some gel shoe inserts. It'll transfer to the 45-70 when she feels ready. Always wanted a lever action and couldn't be happier. Congrats on yer find.

[bobw]

94's are fun. I picked up one back in December in 25-35 Win. Got some brass but bullets in a FN or RN persuasion are damned hard to find in 25 cal. WW factories when you find them are around $50/20 . Luckily a guy can buy factory Sellier & Beloit 6.5x 52R for around $23/20 and they work fine in my gun. I did get a box of Sierra 117 gr flatbase spitzers for it though. Been using a sidecutter to nip off the point and a flat bastard to file them down to 115 grains giving them an acceptable meplat for in the magazine use. Fun gun Hornady max loads are to hot for brass life. bobw

[laowho]

I just ordered cast for it from Montana Bullet in 165 gr and regular lube--$29 for 250. After melting down the HiTek coated bullets I had, just wasn't sure I wanted that goin through the mini-groove rifling. That is some tough stuff, but seems everyone's goin over to it.

[JReed]

I have one in 45colt. You are going to love it as a woods walking gun. They are fast shouldering and fun to shoot

[Plastikosmd]

One of my first rifles, that little 94 in 30-30 does hit you back! I switched out the trapper type loop on mine to a standard loop. I don't shoot in in a setting/gloves that I need the big loop.