A Stop At Ron Peterson Firearms

Above, Ron Peterson's Firearms in Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I headed to Albuquerque this weekend, there was one thing I wanted to do and that was accomplished today.

I went to Ron Peterson Firearms in Albuquerque to look around. I was in the market for a Winchester Model 94 lever-action rifle that is pre-1964. Model 94s made after 1964 are not as well made.

According to Chuck Hawks:

Surely among the most beloved firearms of all time are the Winchester pre 1964 Model 94 carbines. These graceful little rifles are a study in functional walnut and steel. With nearly perfect lines and balance, they became the best selling sporting rifles of all time. 

Unfortunately, by the early 1960s the production costs of the traditional Model 94 with all of its forged steel parts had risen dramatically. Winchester executives realized that soon the Model 94 would have to be priced beyond the reach of the average hunter. This is exactly the fate that befell the classic Mannlicher-Schoenauer carbine, and eventually spelled its doom. 

To save the Model 94 and restore a reasonable profit margin, Winchester redesigned the action for cheaper manufacture, substituting stamped sheet metal and roll pins for parts previously machined from forged steel. The steel buttplate became plastic and a less durable metal finish was substituted for the traditional bluing. The new guns still worked and shot just fine despite their aesthetic flaws, but the credibility of the Model 94 took a serious hit, and examples manufactured prior to the 1964 changes became instant classics. 

Most of the shortcomings of the post 1963 Model 94s were eventually corrected, but the pre '64 versions remain the most desirable of all Winchester Model 94s. 

Above, my Winchester 94 during the paperwork process. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I found one on sale that was manufactured in 1962 (verified by its serial number). It looked to be in great shape. Peterson's Firearms in Albuquerque was recommended by a couple of Jamestown friends as they thoroughly check and test all used firearms before they are put on sale.

Above, the sign to Ron Peterson Firearms. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Unlike Commiefornia, my background check was instant and I was able to take my "new to me" toy with me.

If you've watched PBS's Antiques Roadshow, you've probably seen Ron Peterson giving gun appraisals on the show.