1966 Winchester 94

[big bear]

Was this a good year for 94's? Looking at a used one. thanks!

[gamekeeper]

A lot of folks will say no just because Winchester lowered the bar in 64 but the one I had was good to go!

[gak]

I'd say generally no. Any of these especially early "Post 64" (actually more accuraytely post 63) era are hit and miss, mostly miss. But as the previous poster shows, you can luck onto a good one. Must be a special (birth?) Year for you - whatever, pursue the search for what you want.
The chief culprit making these not nearly as collectible as the Pre 64s and later Post 64s (late 70s on up) is a receiver plating/scintered metal that tended to pit more than usual (all 94s, especially in humid climes, if not wiped off occasionally can pit a little. Contributing is/was that a lot of folk's handle/carry their 94s by the receiver). Many of these early "Posts" had a receiver that almost black paint-like finish that flaked without a lot of provocation and was iffy looking even new. Some have found sows' ears and made silk purses out of them by refinishing. The nature of the material used for receivers in this period precludes standard re-bluing. Some have indicated case hardening works ok, or one of the "kote" finishes, various treatments including Robar, etc etc. Stocks on many examples reflected cost cutting as well, going from nice walnut on the "Pre's" to birch or some other cheaper mystery wood. Also "fixable" either relatively low cost (DIY refinish to more acceptable look) or higher cost walnut replacement. Someone else casn chime in on the various little mechanical bits which were changed in this period as well, but most have found the guns reliable enough as shooters.

[big bear]

Thanks, I'll keep my money!

[Sixgun]

They still are good guns and they make excellent shooters......they are just not collectable. Considering the price you can get into one for, you will still get your money out of it.-------------6

[EdinCT]

I had a 1964 that kept 3 rounds in a inch at 50 yards always. It wasn't,the prettiest but it sure kilt deer!