r/canadaguns • u/Nice_Elk1052 • 18d ago

Buy recommendations Winchester 1894

I’ve always wanted to get a Winchester 1894 after my dads was stolen when I was a kid and I just was looking for tips or opinions on the rifle. My main concern is how the action works. We go out in all sorts of weather for ranching and I’m worried that since the action opens the top and bottom it’ll get damaged from water, dust, and mud. Everyone’s told me that theirs have never let them down but I just want more unbiased opinions. Thanks everyone for reading.

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13

u/Lumindan 18d ago

Firearms are tools. As long as proper maintenance is applied to a quality tool, it'll last. Clean it, oil it and shoot it. Rinse and repeat.

Just avoid the Turkish offerings.

4

u/Conscious_Bid_8762 18d ago

The new Japanese ones are almost to gorgeous to take out but man they are sweet. I have two and they are the smoothest lever guns I’ve used. And I’m a marlin fan usually.

3

u/Sillyak 18d ago

For a 73, 86 or 92 I recommend the Miroku ones, but pre-64 94s are so plentiful, and reasonably priced, you may as well go that route.

They are an awesome rifle and a great working gun. The best gun imaginable to actually carry in your hands since they are so incredibly slim.

You are poking on a weak spot of many Winchester lever actions though. They are not easy to fully strip and clean. Debris doesn't tend to accumulate in them, since when the action is closed the tolerances are right enough to keep out debris, but if it gets wet, or debris does accumulate, and you have to fully strip it, it isn't easy. You can do it, but it's not something you will want to do often.

2

u/NemrahG 18d ago

1894 is a pretty great gun, pretty reliable and don’t need much maintenance. Just keep it clean and the action closed when out and it should be fine.

Also, just a heads up some of the older ones have floppy triggers, they work fine but some people don’t like it.

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u/SandySpectre 18d ago

If you’re really worried about the elements damaging your rifle you can have the whole thing Cerakoted. I’d look for a used pre1964 model that’s kinda beat up on the outside but solid internal.