Outpost Barn & Armory has posted a new video today on the Winchester 94 (or Winchester 1894).
In the video, several examples are on display ranging from the early 1900s to the 1950s.
The video summary:
The Winchester Model 1894, commonly known as the Winchester 94, is an iconic lever-action repeating rifle designed by John Browning in 1894. It stands as one of the most famous and popular hunting rifles of all time, particularly for white-tailed deer in North America.
A significant innovation of the Model 1894 was its design for smokeless powder cartridges. While initially offered in black powder calibers like .32-40 Winchester and .38-55 Winchester, it quickly became the first commercial American repeating rifle to chamber smokeless powder rounds, most notably the .30 WCF (Winchester Center Fire), which became universally known as the .30-30 Winchester. The .30-30 cartridge's combination of power, relatively low recoil, and flat trajectory revolutionized hunting.
The rifle utilizes a robust and efficient lever-action mechanism, allowing for rapid follow-up shots. Its design enabled the cycling of longer cartridges than earlier Winchester models, due to a hinged floor plate in the receiver that opened up more space for feeding.
Production and Popularity: The Model 1894 was produced by Winchester Repeating Arms Company from 1894 to 1980 and then by U.S. Repeating Arms under the Winchester brand until 2006. It has sold over 7 million units, making it one of the most produced sporting rifles in American history. Notable examples were presented to U.S. Presidents, including Calvin Coolidge, Harry S. Truman, and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Beyond the ubiquitous .30-30 Winchester, the Model 94 has been chambered in a variety of calibers over its long production run, including .25-35 Winchester, .32 Winchester Special, and later, revolver calibers like .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt, as well as 7-30 Waters and even a .410 shotgun variant (Model 9410). It was produced in various configurations, including rifles, saddle-ring carbines, and trapper's short carbines, with different barrel lengths, finishes, and stock options.
Post-1964 Changes: In 1964, manufacturing procedures were modified to reduce costs, leading to changes in materials (e.g., sintered steel receivers, stamped sheet metal parts) which differentiate "Pre-64" models (highly sought after by collectors) from "Post-64" models. Later innovations included angle eject systems to allow for easier scope mounting, and different safety mechanisms.
Legacy: The Winchester Model 94 holds a significant place in American firearms history, often considered the quintessential "deer rifle" and a symbol of the American West. Its enduring legacy is a testament to its practical design, reliability, and effectiveness for hunters and sportsmen.
Here's the video:
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