The rifle-length Model 94 was discontinued in 1924 and through the years various changes were made to the carbine. But the most dramatic occurred in 1964, when, in what is now recognized as an ill-advised move, manufacturing procedures were modified to reduce costs. Thankfully, by 1967 the company realized it had done something terribly wrong and steps were gradually taken to restore the Model 94 to its former glory. Nonetheless, that chapter in the Model 94s history has provided collectors with the designations of “pre-’64” and “post-’64” Winchesters. But in many ways the revitalized Model 94 today is a better gun than before.

For example, one year after U.S. Repeating Arms Co. licensed the Winchester name (which is owned by Olin Corp.) in 1981, “Side Eject” was added, which finally made mounting a scope on the Model 94 practical. Then, in 1990, USRAC asked for my input regarding tweaking the Model 94 to overcome sagging sales in a sluggish economy and its “post-’64” stigma. As a result, the wobbly, rattling action was tightened and quieted by bringing back the old-style link pin and adding a wave washer. More visibly, rather than being stamped, the loading gate was once again milled out of solid steel, just as on the “pre-’64” guns.

Legal concerns eliminated the half-cock notch, but it was replaced with a trigger-block safety and a trigger return spring that reduced rattling. Unfortunately, a dished-out, push-button safety was eventually added, blemishing the Model 94s handsome, flat-sided receiver. But on Jan. 1, 2003, I could imagine that the cheers among Model 94 aficionados weren’t to celebrate the New Year, but because Winchester announced that day the ugly button had been replaced by a much less obtrusive tang-mounted safety.

In 1964 the Model 94 launched another new era with the Wyoming Diamond Jubilee, the first Winchester Commemorative, which opened up a whole new collecting field by honoring everything from the Golden Spike Centennial to the NRA. But perhaps none are as symbolic as the two new Oliver Winchester Model 94 Limited Editions, which are a tribute to the gun as much as to the man who gave it his name.

Because of this, I felt compelled to see how this reincarnated Winchester handled on the range. Although its 5-pound trigger pull was not conducive to the utmost accuracy, from a solid rest and using Winchester 170-grain Power-Points, I was able to print a 1.5-inch, 75-yard five-shot group. Of course, ideally I should have been using the limited-edition Oliver F. Winchester commemorative 150-grain Power-Point ammunition, but it wasn’t ready in time for this article. Still, like the rifles themselves, I know the wait will be worth it.

Manufacturer: Miroku Firearms Mfg. Co., Japan
Importer: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.; (800) 333-3288; www.winchesterguns.com
Caliber: .30-30 Win.
Action Type: lever-action, center-fire repeating rifle
Magazine: tubular under-barrel, eight-round capacity
Receiver: blued steel with scroll etch-engraved design with gold accents, (Custom Grade); Silver nitrate with scroll etch-engraved design (High Grade)
Barrel: 24", half-round, half-octagon
Stock: high-gloss checkered walnut with classic 1890s Winchester pattern, fancy grade IV/V walnut (Custom Grade); fancy grade II/III walnut (High Grade)
Overall Length: 42"
Weight: 8 lbs.
Suggested Retail Price: $1,959 (Custom Grade); $1,469 (High Grade)
Note: 500 two-rifle sets consisting of a Custom Grade and High Grade with matching serial numbers will be produced. In addition, up to 5,000 individual High Grade rifles may be offered for sale.

Download the Winchester 94 Exploded View.

View A Lifetime Affair photo gallery.