1949 Winchester Model 94 *** A Hunter's Rifle ***

Quick look at a classic 1949 Winchester Model 94 in 30-30 Winchester. I'll feature this soon in an instalment of "Best Brush Cartridge" coming soon.
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[@joelseymour6372]

First rifle that I had the pleasure to shot was my father's 1948 model 94 in 30-30. He bought it new, shot a buck, then it sat in my parents closet till I was a teenager. I asked him to take me to a range to shoot. I think we must have finished off that box of ammo that was left over from his hunt. I shot it again a couple of years ago when I inherited it when my older brother passed away. Still shoots great and looks almost new. I cherish the rifle and the memories it has given our family.

[@TargetSuite]

What a treasure!

[@waynehajek6346]

Glad to see that the owner left the rifle in its current condition. Part of his Dad's soul is still left in that rifle.

[@TargetSuite]

You are right about that!

[@tinman8518]

What a great piece of family history there. Beautiful shop your son has. Thanks for the video.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks for watching!

[@bkm4925]

@@TargetSuite That rifle is as old as I am!

[@timmatheny-lo9ze]

That history is amazing. I was fortunate to find a 1947.

[@steddyk]

A 49’ Win 94 should always make a grown man smile! Love .30-30. My Grandpa got me hooked on the cartridge, we had an 85’ 94 not the desirable pre 64 but still a nice deer rifle.

[@TargetSuite]

Amen on the 🙂

[@tinman8518]

I so appreciate your quoting James 4:15 in your speaking. That's the proper way to live our lives.

[@TargetSuite]

Amen!

[@bobnoon253]

just subscribed today. Love the lever guns.My m94 30wcf is a 1942 manufactured. Also got 2 Rossi m92 357mag, and a Marlin 94 357mag. Great videos .

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks I appreciate that comment. And I really appreciate the sub!

[@MrRod4000]

I won my 94 in a raffle about 1966. My eyesight not being the best, I couldn’t hit the proverbial side of a barn with it until I replaced the open sights with a peep sight. I also refinished the finish on the stock with baked in linseed oil, and it’s still good all these years later.

[@TargetSuite]

Sweet.

[@hutehund9519]

So many times you see a rifle in that condition at a gun show and pass it by thinking it was abused and neglected. But a back story like that makes it a genuine family treasure. Thanks for sharing it, George. Looking forward to seeing it in action next week. Meanwhile, I’ll just be envious of your son’s awesome shop.

[@TargetSuite]

It is a great back story. Wish there were more details.

[@davidsoul6823]

Just landed a pristine 1949 flat band 30WCF......incredibly, my first Winchester. A real beauty.

[@TargetSuite]

Congrats!

[@k2custom351]

Wow, love those old well used tools. That shop is way too clean!

[@TargetSuite]

I knew you would appreciate this old rifle😉

[@houardtredmond9112]

that rifle has so much CHARACTER! i love it

[@TargetSuite]

I know what you mean. It's the gun everyone of us secretly wish was our own😉

[@PatRMG]

The stories the old 94 could tell....

[@TargetSuite]

Oh yes! I'd line up to hear those tails!

[@brianegeberg8497]

I have this identical rifle made in 1941 in mint condition. I've never shot it, just admired it sitting in my safe. Beautiful piece of history! My shooter 30-30 is a early 1970s Marlin.

[@TargetSuite]

Well, you definitely have a treasure. Those pre-war Winchester's are extra special. Or so I've heard😉

[@daveshsb]

I really value and appreciate a utilitarian gun - and the Winchester 94 is a gem. Love the tacks and electric tape. Awesome!!!

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍

[@regsparkes6507]

That rifle reminds me of Willie Nelson's guitar. I sure hope the Winchester stay that way for ever. Thanks for showing us this.

[@TargetSuite]

I watch a great video of some luthier stabilizing Willie's guitar. I think he had named it trigger. That's kind of what needs to happen to this 30-30. It needs to be stabilized. And that's hard to do without taking the stock off. My cousin's dad only passed away recently so I understand his feelings about leaving it as it is for now. I think I would do the same.

[@regsparkes6507]

@@TargetSuite Ah, yes.

[@terryschiller2625]

Hi George, that 94 is a working man's tool for sure. All that history that has been through, and the story's it could tell!

[@TargetSuite]

Yep. If only . . .

[@scenicdriveways6708]

I never owned a Winchester 94 in caliber .30-30 , but I did own and hunt with a Winchester 94 chambered in .32 Winchester Special. It was a great little hunting rifle for the north east woods. When I married my wife she wanted to learn how to hunt, so I gave her my Winchester 94 -.32 spl. and she killed a few deer with it as well. The guy I bought the rifle off of killed a few black bear in Maine with it too.

[@fezanthunter5956]

That old rifle definitely has character, grit, and rugged style... Thanks for sharing it with those of us who can appreciate it.👍

[@TargetSuite]

You are welcome! And correct in assuming that everyone will not appreciate an older gun like this one.

[@ladybuggunner]

Sure would love to know all the adventures that beauty went on! Great video! Thanks for sharing that little piece of American history.

[@TargetSuite]

Amen! Hours of great campfire stories No Doubt!

[@donbowersock9564]

That rifle is just plain awesome, sends your mind to thinking of what it has been thru.

[@TargetSuite]

Great stories to tell for sure. That country down around those copper mines is pretty rough . . . in a lot of ways!

[@vonsprague7913]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful family history. Personally I love to see a working man's gun well used to feed his family and protect his stock. A great short video.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks. I love having it for a couple of weeks. What a treasure!

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

I guess i have missed a couple of videos. The tube of yous will mess up a subscription in a heart beat. She definitely has been used, reminds me of an old favorite pair of sneakers.

[@TargetSuite]

That's a good analogy!

[@BigRooster616]

I have my Grandfather's Best Friends 1959 Winchester 30/30 . He bought it new in 1959 shot a deer and had a heart attack and died . His wife keep the rifle under the bed for years and years . When she was getting old and had health issues. She sold my the rifle . It is now in my personal collection and will stay with my till the day The Lord calls me home . I hope my Son's keep it in the family .

[@TargetSuite]

That's a sad story about the original owner period but I'm glad you have it and I hope your sons keep it around

[@michaelcaristo4891]

I LOVE the Lever Guns!

[@TargetSuite]

Amen!

[@Leverguns50]

3030 is an awesome hunting caliber and you when you combine it with the 94 Winchester it’s absolutely awesome, i’ve taken well over 50 deer with a good old 94 Winchester in 30-30, although the 94 in 32 Winchester special is my favorite of the 94s, that being said the 1886 is my all time favorite lever action style, and the 71 Winchester is my all time favorite rifle, 71 has the best ergonomics of any rifle I’ve ever used

[@TargetSuite]

Amen to all of that! I sure wish we were neighbors😄

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Industry has brought back a lot of older black powder cartridges due to CASS. They need to bring back the 348 Winchester.

[@gamesandguns27]

I love firearms with character like that. They were all over the place for sale in the 1990's for reasonable prices. You can't find them anymore. I only wonder where they all disappeared to?

[@TargetSuite]

Lots of new Shooters, and guys like me who are trying to backfill😉

[@billdye3530]

Bet that rifle has some great stories to tell. If it shoots good leave like it is or pickup extra butt stock just for hunting & swap them out. With the tape & cracks it just speaks History.

[@TargetSuite]

It does speak history, and it's not mine to modify. I think, rightly so, my cousin wants to keep it just as his father left it. At least for now.

[@billdye3530]

@@TargetSuite It gives some guy in the deer woods with a $2500 rifle something to think about. Lol Especially if you ask if his rifle has history.

[@easttexan2933]

George, what great stories that old pre64 thutty thutty could tell !! Now that's an outdoorsman's rifle right there. The one I hunted with in my youth (late 50s-late 60s) also had very little bluing left on the receiver, but the stock was in a lot better condition lol. Next time you come by the house I'll tell ya a really interesting story about it. Thanks for sharing that rifle with us.

[@TargetSuite]

You are right Max. I'm thinking hours around the campfire to hear all of his stories. I will swing by Woodville here one of these days and you can tell me a couple of yours😉

[@lessage760]

thanks for sharing that wonderful rifle sir

[@TargetSuite]

You are welcome! It truly was . . . my pleasure

[@Wootangtw]

Awesome old rifle…

[@johnnymccann5607]

being highly knowledgeable and extremely experienced in much weapons . reloading, honest test s, much shooting. it’s my belief the 30-30 Winchester to be the most underrated center fire we have today. then 22 mag. having been told by so many arm chair experts that don’t know what they are talking about that the 30-30 ain’t good for about 100 yards. I have shot 30-30 lever actions ,single shots scopes, open sights . samd bags, off hand, creedmore sty. you name it . at 25-400 yards. and say you won’t find a much better hunting/self defense weapon . it a cartridge during riots and looting you can stake your life on . sure a ak47 or ar 15 would be a better choice but every one don’t have them so use what go got . practice. nana papa aka the hunter wishing you well.

[@TargetSuite]

Well said! Thanks!

[@davidsoul6823]

I'm amazed at how hard 30-30...and especially 35 Remington hit game. Way underrated and more than adequate. People just want to buy new cartridges...and so do manufacturers.

[@bigtrev761]

🇦🇺😎👍Nice. Love that Dirty 30

[@jeffryrichardson9105]

Beautiful piece of history!👍🏽✊🏽😀❤️🇺🇸

[@TargetSuite]

Yes it is! Thanks for watching!

[@paul55austria51]

George…..it's a really beautiful story you're telling here. A Winchester with precious and tangible memories! But….. next time I definitely want to see the German Shorthair! Greetings from Austria, Paul 🇦🇹🙋🏻‍♂️

[@TargetSuite]

Haha! If I had a computer here and could edit videos I would have done a lot more with this including shots of that little pup😉

[@paul55austria51]

@@TargetSuite i know😉 Have a great time there!

[@spencerboaz2385]

Love your work bench , I've said for years I was going to build one a bit like that . Yep that rifle seen a mile or two . Back then they just thought of it as another tool to put meat on the table .

[@TargetSuite]

I miss that workbench. I gave it to my son when I moved my dad's workbench from the barn here at the farm back to my house in Houston. It was getting ruined by rats. But it's just not as user-friendly as the one I made.

[@Iceaxehikes]

I heard from the CEO of Ruger that the first Marlin Lever guns will be in 45/70, .357 mag, and 44 mag. Then he said 30/30!

[@TargetSuite]

Wow! Where did you hear that!

[@Iceaxehikes]

@@TargetSuite Guntalk here on youtube. It was an interview with Rugers CEO.

[@Iceaxehikes]

@@TargetSuite he specifically said 45/70 was first and by Christmas.

[@Iceaxehikes]

@@TargetSuite kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpCkeXmXqZisp6c

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks! I listened. Sounds like mid-year or later for the 1894.

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Hahahaha! I see that I’m not the only one that has resorted to electrical tape for a cracked stock! I’m sure that rifle has many stories to tell!

[@TargetSuite]

Lots of stories I imagine revolving around the countless deer and a bear or two that fell to this old gun

[@stevefrompa7181]

I was fortunate enough to add a 1953 94 to my collection this year.

[@TargetSuite]

Sweet! I picked up a 1955 this year myself! 32 Winchester Special.

[@lynnkramer1211]

Yeah man, that is one fine rifle you have there.

[@TargetSuite]

Yes it is. Thanks for watching!

[@phb7]

Can’t wait till that episode.

[@TargetSuite]

Next week I hope. Thanks!

[@k9six185]

Nice work bench…..building one of those right now

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks! I built that back in the 70s and my son took it over 20 years ago when he bought his first house

[@exothermal.sprocket]

The patina of that M94 can really tell a story.

[@TargetSuite]

Yes, it's funny how many rifles are outfitted with slings today. In the old days people just carried their rifle by hand, kind of like I do.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@TargetSuite Slings are pretty useful, not only just a carrying device.

[@bigal7561]

That is beautiful. I'm a lever guy and man that's cool. I'm north of the red.

[@TargetSuite]

Oklahoma? Thanks for watching!

[@lanedexter6303]

That Model 94 has lived some life. I have an old Model 94 in 32 Special. Various myths about 32 Sp. but I don’t know which is true. One tale says the 32 was more suited to reloading with black powder, another says the 30-30 shot better than the 32 when they had some wear & tear on ‘em. With matching bullet weight and operating pressure, I suspect the 32 bullet started out a bit faster but lost velocity more quickly. Doubt the game would ever know the difference. These old Winchesters are fun, and many have tales to tell, if they could only talk! 👍

[@TargetSuite]

I got a model 94 in 32 Special also. Mine is from 1950 and in pretty good shape. It's a recent purchase from this year fulfilling a lifelong dream to own the famous Winchester model 94!

[@lanedexter6303]

@@TargetSuite alright! Maybe you can add to the 30-30 vs 32 spl debate.😅

[@fdmackey3666]

The only longarm I've ever purchased new in the box was a '94 in .30-30. I walked right past Marlin and Savage models and spent my Grit newspaper delivery money on it. Fast forward into my early 20s and I traded that '94 off for another rifle I can now barely recall....And regretted it as soon as deer season rolled around. -Back then I did all my deer hunting sitting on a stump or I tracked/walked 'em up. Now in my late 60s I have a small collection of Marlins, Savages, and exactly one Model 94 in .30-30. It's a USA made, pre safety model, and I'm of the opinion the original owner never even loaded it as it was in pristine condition when I found it on the rack of a small Mom & Pop gun and pawn in Maryland several years ago. For $300.00 and tax it went home with me. I love me some Marlins and my Savages, barring a disaster, will never leave my possession, but I have had a couple of "Son of a....! Which one should I take with me on this hunt?" moments when trying to decide between one of my Marlins and the Winchester when I knew I was going to be hunting in close to relatively close cover.

[@TargetSuite]

Great story. I too have replaced a couple of "lost" firearms.

[@murphy4yt]

That rifle looks like it was rode hard and put away wet. Bet it could tell some tales. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@TargetSuite]

You bet. It's been a joy to have around for these few weeks. But it's got to go back to my cousin here soon.

[@jackbreedlove3740]

My first rifle was a slightly used 1951 model. I still have and use it. Please include the dog in the next videos if possible

[@TargetSuite]

I've got some footage. I'll try to roll it in next week😉

[@donrotten4791]

I have my great grandfather’s 94 from 1906.

[@TargetSuite]

Wow! What a family treasure!

[@locksbog4270]

Don't you just wish that 94 could talk and share a few stories? 👍😃✌️🇺🇸

[@TargetSuite]

Amen! I'm sure there would be some great ones. I know this rifle took countless deer at least one bear and an elk or two

[@frankhinkle5772]

Looking forward to it.

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍

[@paulcupach8196]

Oh Myyyy! That gun has history and significant importance in your family. I can't wait to see how it shoots. Beware of the GSP...sneaky smart dogs. I've owned 3 and they are natural hunters.

[@TargetSuite]

After I picked it up from my cousin I shot two rounds at a 6-inch plate at about 70 yards and hit it second shot. So I think it's going to do just fine!

[@paulcupach8196]

@@TargetSuite Its a Keeper!

[@paulcupach8196]

@@TargetSuite I'd like to see a 300 Blackout doing the brush gun test against the 30-30.

[@kipkaniper4679]

Subscriber enjoy your videos always a big blue thumbs up quick question does gunpowder go bad hope this finds you well

[@TargetSuite]

Sorry for the late reply. Just had some time to go back through old comments. I think eventually powder can go bad but if it's sealed tight it should last for a long long time certainly many years.

[@dougm2681]

Thats what a tool thats been used should look like!

[@jonrolfson1686]

Looking forward to your .30 WCF brush gun testing.

[@TargetSuite]

Me too!

[@MrInkerton]

I have a 1949 30-30 that I bought with a substituted sight (which is great) but I would like to put the original sight back on. Can you post a close up photo of the front of that buckhorn sight?

[@TargetSuite]

I believe my 1955 model has the same rear sight. You can get a closer look in this video where I compared it with a more modern Winchester 94. I hope you'll watch the whole video but I think the closest look at the the rear side is somewhere around the 2-minute mark kzbin.info/www/bejne/onS4qJV-rLmdbJY

[@raymondbuie5292]

Hi George, Great old gun! I get the great historical sense it has to your family. However I think it would be a wonderful candidate to have restored by Turnbull Restorations and have it beautifully restored for the next two or three generations. Keep the great videos coming! Very informative. I enjoy them very much!

[@TargetSuite]

Out of sentimental reasons I think my cousin will keep it just like it is for a while. But I think you are correct at least in that it needs to be stabilized. And to do that the stock needs to come off.

[@theguyinmaine]

I have a 1951. The wood from the barrel band forward as with that one is a lot longer. They shortened it somewhere in the mid 50's.

[@TargetSuite]

You are right about the shorter wood. My 1955 has it.

[@slow_diver]

Damn wish I had one too. That GSP will whine for eternity. Haha

[@TargetSuite]

Haha!

[@callawayken650]

I picked up a Rossi 22 slide action with a cracked stock that was gunsmith repaired nicely. I continue to look for a replacement stock but, maybe it is okay to just leave it be.

[@TargetSuite]

I just repaired a similarly cracked stock for a relative. But his rifle was a modern Browning X-Bolt. It turned out much better that either of us hoped.

[@m2gjam139]

Nice old rifle well used I would like to see the 190gr rounds from a 3030. I just loaded 200 rounds of 444 100 rounds in 265gr my usual load. Also I found 190gr. I never went that light before. A friend gave them to me I hope it cuts the recoil. The lightest I've ever fired was 220gr. I was down to 150 rounds. I like to have too much of everything. Weather permitting I will got to the range Saturday. I've been practicing with 12 gauge slugs from a few of my shotguns @ 75 yards doing well. I'm looking forward to your new series. Should be very interesting always is. Nice shop

[@TargetSuite]

Oh the 444 Marlin! What a great round!

[@TheCowboyfromhell87]

If you happen to still be in Seguin and feel like coming up through New Braunfels before heading back east I have a couple more flavors of 30-30 I'll give to you for your testing. Have a few Marlins that may interest you as well. They aren't for sale, but different from others you have featured so far.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks. Message me at [e-mail] and maybe next time I am here we can connect.

[@TheCowboyfromhell87]

@@TargetSuite Will do.

[@tberkoff]

Good luck trying to find 30-30 ammo right now.

[@TargetSuite]

I've been picking up ammo here and there in anticipation of this video

[@stevefrompa7181]

My local bass pro had it when I was there last week.

[@SlickSixguns]

I used to own an 1894

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍

[@waynehajek6346]

Too bad you couldn't have made it over toward LaVernia. I've got cornbread with bacon in the oven and fresh turnip greens stewing in the pot.

[@TargetSuite]

Oh that would have been awesome! I have been to First Baptist Church La Vernia with my son and his family several times.

[@waynehajek6346]

@@TargetSuite Have a good visit and a safe trip back to Houston.

[@garyK.45ACP]

Your son has an awesome shop! I collect Winchesters and the 1894/94 was never my favorite, though I have more of them (and variations like the Model 55 and Model 64) than any other model. Mostly because they were always much more available and much more economical to acquire. No denying they have been a hunting basic for more than 125 years. I understand the need for the single rear locking lug and dropping link in order to get cartridges the length of a .30-30 in a receiver roughly the same size as a Model 1892. But it seems like a rattletrap to me, compared to an 1886 or 1892 or Model 71. Yes, I killed more than a few deer with Model 94s and .30-30. Does the job just fine. I look forward to the next "brush gun" video.

[@TargetSuite]

As a retired mechanical engineer I appreciate the design of the model 94, but like you, the 1886 and 1892 are my favorite designs.

[@garyK.45ACP]

@@TargetSuite I suspected as much. Your testing protocols and your methodical analysis of issues, such as with the Ruger Single Six, had me convinced you were a mechanical engineer. The Model 94 and the Model 95 were designs intended to meet a specific goal, and they did, with the compromises necessary to also make them light and manageable. They were both plenty string for their intended purpose. Browning was a mechanical genius

[@TargetSuite]

Browning accomplished more using a pencil and paper than most modern design engineers do today with a $20,000 CAD package.

[@alexllc2958]

I would love to take this gun and restore the stock , I have multiple years of this beauty !

[@TheWalkWithAl]

Looks like my great grandpa‘s gun I’ve got his and my dad One is prewar and one was made in 69 and both of them shoot great still deer hunt with both of them Me and my son

[@TargetSuite]

👍

[@theeasternfront6436]

I have my Dad ‘94 in 30-30, its a 1974 if I recall correctly. Good rifle, though no show piece. I want to know what the stain is on that bench.

[@TargetSuite]

Haha! That stain is 45 Years of hard use!

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

I'd love to have it and keep it as is.

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍

[@randytidmore8021]

Love old rifles,but I would still replace the stock

[@chrisgabbert658]

Nice rifle good gun 👍

[@TargetSuite]

Yep it's a gem . . . in the rough.

[@chrisgabbert658]

Target Suite the stock repair appears to be solid good to go 👍

[@TargetSuite]

I'll find out about the condition of the repair next week when I shoot those Buffalo Bore rounds🤯 But I think it will be okay.

[@chrisgabbert658]

Target Suite I would shoot three checking the speed and accuracy at the same time , then save the rest for there purposes.😊

[@paulchandler9646]

Made when quality was standard.I would replace the but-stock but that's just me.

[@vonsprague7913]

Paul it's always tempting but you'd lose so much of what makes this rifle what it is today.

[@TheDeerhunter42]

The one gun i don't own. M94 3030 but! I will soon

[@TargetSuite]

And I don't own a 30-30 of any kind. Maybe someday.

[@gscop1683]

How would you rate the 30-30 vs the 35 Rem ?

[@TargetSuite]

I'm a 35 Remington fan. But the 30/30 has lots of history and lots of fans of its own.

[@TheREALLibertyOrDeath]

👍

[@yankeenimrod2063]

what's the dogs name? GSP's are great dogs, hopefully your son gets you bird hunting, then you can make some shotgun videos !!

[@TargetSuite]

They have named her a combination of daughter's middle names. I am in total Rebellion so I call the dog "Girl". It works😉

[@yankeenimrod2063]

@@TargetSuite smart !!! multi syllable names are a disaster for both training and in the field.

[@poppy2394]

Got His Money's Worth

[@TargetSuite]

Yes he did.

[@k9six185]

Also I have a 1946 winchester 94 in 30-30

[@TargetSuite]

Sweet!

[@InGratitudeIam]

Very nice! I think to stop the dog from whining, put nail polish on its toe nails (as you call them). It's not that this makes the dog happy. They just pass out from the fumes.

[@TargetSuite]

Haha! Great idea!

[@m2gjam139]

Hey George where are you. You ok

[@TargetSuite]

Just catching up on old comments. I appreciate you thinking about me!

[@williamray3101]

Bad shape that rifle!

[@TargetSuite]

Good bones, It's really just the stock that is in bad shape. Everything else is just honest wear from a lot of carrying in the field.

[@rocknepoovey4381]

I have a ‘48 win. 94

[@TargetSuite]

Sweet!

[@yobentley7274]

Cousin's Dad = Uncle?

[@TargetSuite]

My cousin's dad's dad was a brother to my great grandmother. Makes my head spin trying to figure all that out🤯