MODEL 94, Winchester Rifle in .32 Special-experience

[wahoo]

I just acquired one of these, pre-1964. Has anyone used this caliber and what is the experience? It seems about the same as 30-30.

[Outfitter17]

It was the first rifle I used when I started hunting. It was ok, not really much for long range. It had a side scope on it and when I missed my first really big buck because of the screwy scope on the side, I move to a 30.06 and have had great luck ever since.

[thedeadsea]

Performance is identical to the 30-30, deer will never know that the bullet diameter is .321 instead of .307

[wahoo]

Thanks for the info. I did see in an online review there is a type of scope that one can mount in front of the top ejector, but it would seem quite a distance. I'll probably waste a few boxes of ammo on targets and see how I shoot iron sights these days.

[kkahmann]

A ballistic chart will show that the .32 is identical to a .30-.30. Guys who own them claim the .32 kills deer better--knocks 'em down faster--whatever. I have one of each and really can't tell the difference. They are just darn fine deer rifles.

Just my opionion mind you but anyone who would suggest that a venerable ole 94 should have a scope mounted on it should be hit so hard he starves to death bouncin.

[Redlantern]

I really don't see the point of a scope on this gun. I have one in the same caliber, was my dad's, and it just isn't a long range gun. Nice for deer hunting in the woods but really no need for anything other than the iron sights that come with it. Just my opinion.

[TUMBLEWEED]

I have two thoughts. First off congrats on the new toy!!

The Winchester 94 is a fast handling little carbine,

perfect short to mid-range deer medicine. I agree on the

last two poster's point of view on scopes. That rifle

with iron sights, is designed to be a rapid pointer

and shooter, with an easy action to enable more shots.

The second thing I was wanting to point out on your 94

is that it has an exposed hammer. Don't know if you have

had experience with a firearm having one, but it does take

an extra bit of safety-minded operation. Pre-64 may also have

some additional impact with some models not having a "full"

safe setting?? ( Just keep it pointed safe on decock)

[kkahmann]

Pre-64--no crossbolt saftey--machined steel not stamped. Has the half cock saftey which is all anyone needs. I carry mine with no round in the chamber--just rack and shoot. That would be too noisy for some. I replaced the buckhorn sights with Williams peep sites.

I hunt deer with hounds in Ontario where it is legal and lots of snap shooting invoved.

[wahoo]

Thanks for the info. Agree, it looks nice as is--no need for the scope. My farm in MN is full of trees and the shots are not long. The stands are on filed edges and the deer just walk the edges donw to teh river. I figure this will be a nice gun there, and I can leave the 7MM Remington Mag at home for long shots elsewhere.

Just feels like a terrific gun.

Thanks again!