Winchester 94 30-30 accuracy?

[Malamute]

I'm not a fan of the Skinners for Winchesters. The later angle eject guns weren't drilled and tapped for side mount receiver sights, but the top holes for the scope base is used for the Skinners I believe. With side mount holes, the sight will sit lower.

I don't know if Skinner makes low front sights, most I've seen were pretty tall. I've not had to replace a front sight when using the Lyman or Williams sights. I like keeping them low so they don't snag on things.

If you order a Williams Foolproof, be sure it isn't for an angle eject, they use a monstrosity of a base that attaches to the top, then goes over the side. They are WAY too busy to achieve a simple end, and your gun isn't drilled and tapped for that type anyways.

The Williams 5-D sights are functional, but the adjustments aren't easy to make incrementally. The Foolproof and the Lymans are click micrometer adjustable and easily adjusted in predictable ways.

[JHC]

I'm not a fan of the Skinners for Winchesters. The later angle eject guns weren't drilled and tapped for side mount receiver sights, but the top holes for the scope base is used for the Skinners I believe. With side mount holes, the sight will sit lower.

I don't know if Skinner makes low front sights, most I've seen were pretty tall. I've not had to replace a front sight when using the Lyman or Williams sights. I like keeping them low so they don't snag on things.

They are tall but made so for filing down to a zero in conjunction with the rear adjustments. The sights are used on such a wide span of guns, on my 1972 Model 39 Century Ltd, I didn't want to have my aperture adjusted max height so I filed down the front to zero.

I've had good luck with Williams too and you've got far more significant experience with this sort of thing. A pure square front post wasn't that easy to find last time I was shopping for them.

[Malamute]

! Now I have a pretty nice 16" Model 94 I intend to hang onto...

I like the 20" guns for the most part, but do have a nicely worn out 1920s gun I had a spare barrel chopped down for. It makes a nice carry gun and truck gun.

[JHC]

I'm not a fan of the Skinners for Winchesters. The later angle eject guns weren't drilled and tapped for side mount receiver sights, but the top holes for the scope base is used for the Skinners I believe. With side mount holes, the sight will sit lower.

I don't know if Skinner makes low front sights, most I've seen were pretty tall. I've not had to replace a front sight when using the Lyman or Williams sights. I like keeping them low so they don't snag on things.

If you order a Williams Foolproof, be sure it isn't for an angle eject, they use a monstrosity of a base that attaches to the top, then goes over the side. They are WAY too busy to achieve a simple end, and your gun isn't drilled and tapped for that type anyways.

The Williams 5-D sights are functional, but the adjustments aren't easy to make incrementally. The Foolproof and the Lymans are click micrometer adjustable and easily adjusted in predictable ways.

Regarding the 94 AE models, I don't know why he displays AE AE and then adds the note they fit any 94 but pre AE may require holes for mounts drilled. I thought he used to offer an aperture for the rear sight dovetail like he still does for Rossi guns. But I didn't see it there today. I've never tried those but was considering it.

I've admired that well worn carbine of yours before. In fact, if I recollect, the timing may have been such that after getting lathered up by your pics of that 94, I suddenly tripped into the one I have now.

[Malamute]

They are tall but made so for filing down to a zero in conjunction with the rear adjustments. The sights are used on such a wide span of guns, on my 1972 Model 39 Century Ltd, I didn't want to have my aperture adjusted max height so I filed down the front to zero.

I've had good luck with Williams too and you've got far more significant experience with this sort of thing. A pure square front post wasn't that easy to find last time I was shopping for them.

Yes, various people have made the old style Sourdoughs over time. Burris made some fairly recently, but I think they quit. Marbles may make them. Brownells may stock them.

I've also taken the factory fronts and filed the bead off leaving a mostly squarish blade, but its pretty fine. My eyes are still OK for some iron sight shooting, but the fine sights arent as easy to see.

Theres another outfit making a barrel mounted peep, I think they may be "One Ragged Hole"?. A peep that far forward doesn't work quite as well as one close to the eye though. The aperture can be tuned to the individuals eye sometimes and sharpen up the sight picture. Not quite as fast as a larger opening, but it really does work once the right size is found. Merit used to make an adjustable aperture that fits receiver peep sights. They also make the one that attaches to the glasses, but I don't know how well it works with rifles. Its like magic with pistols though..

[JHC]

I like XS Sights square front with the white center stripe too FWIW.

[Malamute]

I've seen those, they look like theyd work well. I've been pretty well supplied with the Sourdoughs from looking for them at gun shows and in gunsmiths junk drawers or old stock.


RE the angle eject guns, many traditionalists don't like them, I used to be one of them, but I've come to appreciate scopes more as time goes on. I wouldn't throw an AE gun out into the cold. Some of the AE guns I've seen have been very slick also.

For general information, avoid dry firing a 94 at all costs. They will break the firing pins. Using a snap cap is fine, or an empty, though after only a half dozen hits or less they dent in and don't do much. The 94's are very reliable when used well, dry firing is a weak point though.

[dbateman]

Man I missed this one, some real good info in here.

ASH556 hope you get your 94 squared away they're a good rifle.

I have at least four of them, I'd have to go check to know for sure and two of them are 16" guns one is a 30-30 and the other is a 45lc.
I used to own a third 16" trapper chambered in 357mag but... I sold it. I wan't another but haven't seen one come up locally. It was the first 94 I owned. So if anyone knows of a good pre safety 357 Trapper for sale let me know.

For me I use the 16" guns chambered in pistol rounds out to about 90yds the 30-30 shoots a bit flatter.

P.s I have the Willams sight fitted to a couple of mine and recommend them, they are a good upgrade.

[Charlie Foxtrot]

You might also check the muzzle crown for damage.

[Malamute]

Oh, so we've descended into gratuitous gun porn now have we?

Per-64 carbine with some modifications, front sight changed to early carbine type, front band moved forward, Lyman No 56 receiver sight, and nice wood, checkered.



Same gun before the wood upgrade,



Another pre-64 out grouse hunting,



The shorty 1920's gun before it was chopped, second from top,



Normal state of my truck,