Winchester 94 question

[4seasonhunter]

Just picked up a nice ol model 94 30-30. Never had a Winchester or a lever action before, loving the small size and handling compared to my 270 bolt. Wondering though, is it typical that the lever needs to be held manually against the stock for the trigger to fire? Without holding it, the lever hangs just slightly and the trigger is blocked (is this called a trigger block on this gun?) I haven't fired it yet, seems like I would naturally hold the lever tight to fire anyway, but wondering if this design is on purpose or if the gun is loose.

 

[45/70fan]

Hmmm interesting, never noticed on mine so I'm thinking it stays up. Natural shooting position it would be held closed tho. I'll try to remember to check tonight.

 

[Snal~]

Never had a Winchester, but is there a small pin/button on the lower tang that the lever engages to unlock the hammer?

 

[LeeMajors]

That's how mine is and has been for years

Just picked up a nice ol model 94 30-30. Never had a Winchester or a lever action before, loving the small size and handling compared to my 270 bolt. Wondering though, is it typical that the lever needs to be held manually against the stock for the trigger to fire? Without holding it, the lever hangs just slightly and the trigger is blocked (is this called a trigger block on this gun?) I haven't fired it yet, seems like I would naturally hold the lever tight to fire anyway, but wondering if this design is on purpose or if the gun is loose.

 

[4seasonhunter]

Never had a Winchester, but is there a small pin/button on the lower tang that the lever engages to unlock the hammer?

Yep it does, it's definitely meant to block the trigger when the lever is open, but the lever hangs open just exactly enough to let that button pop out. Intentional or not, probably not a bad safety feature I reckon.

 

[45/70fan]

Yep it does, it's definitely meant to block the trigger when the lever is open, but the lever hangs open just exactly enough to let that button pop out. Intentional or not, probably not a bad safety feature I reckon.

Just checked mine and it's open just enough for the button to extend. The lever is touching the button, not hanging off of it completely.

 

[4seasonhunter]

Thanks @45/70fan that's kinda what I figured, since the rest of the action seems tight like it hasn't seen many rounds. Man I can't wait to shoot this thing, there's just a great quality feel to the movement and the steel, makes my newer guns seem cheap.

 

[Ammoholic]

Mine are like that, fairly certain its considered a “safety”. Makes sense to me. 👍

 

[Justin Case]

Thanks @45/70fan that's kinda what I figured, since the rest of the action seems tight like it hasn't seen many rounds. Man I can't wait to shoot this thing, there's just a great quality feel to the movement and the steel, makes my newer guns seem cheap.

There are not many things that were designed 130 years ago, that function as well as their counterparts. Things that come to mind are the paper clip, zipper, and crescent wrench, but then again they have far fewer parts or need for precision.

 

[45/70fan]

Now to find which weight bullet yours prefers. Mine shoots 150's ok but really shines with 170's.

 

[4seasonhunter]

Now to find which weight bullet yours prefers. When shoots 150's ok but really shines with 170's.

Haven't tried to buy ammo in over a year, we'll see what I can find to experiment with... I'm also interested to see if it's sighted in. Somebody drifted the front sight left pretty good at some point