Scope for a Winchester Model 94

[tacklejunkie]

I am thinking of doing a little deer hunting next fall and I have a 30-30 Win Model 94 that I haven't used in many years. It is still in mint condition and I took it out last weekend just to see how it shoots. It shoots well. Question is...how do you mount a scope on this? It is a lever action that opens at the top

[sigosaur]

I am thinking of doing a little deer hunting next fall and I have a 30-30 Win Model 94 that I haven't used in many years. It is still in mint condition and I took it out last weekend just to see how it shoots. It shoots well. Question is...how do you mount a scope on this? It is a lever action that opens at the top

I only have 2 of these and no scope in either ... but there's a couple things for you to consider. First off, the older '94's had problems with scopes mounted over the ejection port ... the brass had nowhere to go ... this brought about the "angle-eject" models. Look from over your rifle, down ... if the right-side of the bolt looks identical to the left, this is NOT an "angle-eject" model ... and, unless you can rig a "scout" mount, may have problems with follow-up shots. Moreover, if it's particularly old, and in mint condition, any alterations made, to mount a scope, might take away some value ... should you or an hier ever try to sell it. Particularly if it's a pre-64 model ... google "pre-64 Winchester serial numbers" to find out.

Otherwise, I'm guessing it's simply a matter of determining which mount MIGHT work, and how many, if any, holes might need to be drilled/tapped ... hopefully someone with some experience will chime in.

Worst-case, almost any reputable gunsmith should be able to find a proper mount and install it for maybe $50 labor, tops. It's probly not worth much more than $300 ... but just in case, ya might take it to Al's in WBL 'n see if he says it's worth more ... before anyone starts drilling. :-o

[icehousebob]

Before butchering a nice 94 with scope mounting holes, you might consider trying a reciever peep sight. They mount with the same holes already on the tang or reciever. They also use the original front sight, so you just have to remove the rear sight and replace it with a blank to fill the dovetail. Once you get used to a peep sight, you just might like it, especially if you're hunting the woods up where you live.

[Gordie]

A guy that I used to hunt with shoots a model 94 with a scope mounted to it. the mount is set off to the left side of the reciver at the same height that a normal scope would be mounted . It looks kinda funny but he shoots it very well and the gun functions very well. I dont remember just how it was mounted but I'm sure it was drilled and taped on the side of the reciver

[SmilinBob]

Elwood nailed it, they make a side mount and looks a little odd, but works very well. Its drilled and tapped into the side of the reciever. Labor will probably run more than $50 however, there is a fair amount of setup required to get it lined up. If youare north of Duluth try matts 10x, he does good work, he taught me gunsmithing at Pine Tech.

[swamptiger]

The model 94 with open sights is a lightweight, fast handling 100 yd "brush gun". If you add a scope to it, you take away some of the properties it was designed for, because you will be making the gun a little heavier and also a little slower to shoot. If you can get within a six inch circle at 100 yards, that's good enough - just limit your shooting to shorter distances when you are hunting. If your eyesight is getting too bad to use the open sights, I would suggest trying a ghost ring style rear aperature peep. I personally wouldn't mount a scope on it.

[tacklejunkie]

I took it to a gunsmith and it's an old gun but in great shape.

He recommended NO scope.

So if I'm going to hunt deer this year, I guess I need to practice with the open site. Don't think I'll get 200 yard shots in the jungles of Northern Minnesota, anyways.

[swamptiger]

I don't have a 30-30 anymore, but the new Leverevolution 30-30 ammo by Hornady has really good reviews - sounds like a lot of guys are taking their 30-30s out of the closet and dusting them off...

[Gordie]

yep that ammo is some great new twist on an old favorite caliber and the ones for the 444 marlins are pretty wicked as well.

[Mainehazmt]

I have a model 94 in 30 30 and have the side mounted scope on it that one gun has shot more deer! and you didnt have to have a gunsmith put it on it attached with existing screw holes It just has a nice 4 power scope and is deadly accurate! I put the scope on the second year I owned it in 77 I bought the rifle for 99 bucks! brand new havent used it in a while but it was and is a great deer rifle!

[sparkydm]

My Dad shot many deer with the same setup. Put the mount on himself, used existing holes as already stated.

[Phred52]

Listen to your gunsmith! The '94 IS an excellent brush gun. You would find that..after mounting the scope, it worked better without. If you are hunting the same dense brush I do, you don't get any shots that would require the magnification of a scope. Get yourself a good 'bolt' in the same caliber as the '94, put the scope on that, then you have a choice. Without butchering an icon. Phred52