But while the cost cutting changes did not affect the Model 94's performance, they definitely damaged the Model 94's image.Īs previously mentioned, the pre-1964 Model 94 carbine was a handsome, high quality, traditionally built rifle. It would average about 1.5 inch groups if I did my part, and occasionally shoot a 1 inch group at 100 yards. This rifle came with a heavy 26 inch octagon barrel and wore a long eye relief Leupold M8 2x scope custom mounted forward of the receiver (as on a modern "scout rifle"). In fact, the most accurate Model 94 I have ever owned was a beautifully finished 1966 Centennial commemorative model, complete with stamped parts and roll pins. I have owned both pre and post 1964 Model 94's, and I can testify that none of the manufacturing shortcuts affected the rifle's function or accuracy. It is also a nearly perfect rifle for the mounted rifleman, and is still found in saddle scabbards all over the West. A Model 94 is easy to carry and feels good in the hand. Regardless of vintage, the Model 94 has always been a reliable rifle, the kind you can depend on. As a lingering result of these changes, pre-1964 Model 94's are worth about 50% more than equivalent post 1964 models in similar condition on the used market. These were not the only changes, but they were the most obvious changes and, as I recall, the ones which drew the most criticism. And hollow steel roll pins, which just plain looked cheap, replaced the solid steel action pins. The loading gate became a stamped and riveted part, which was also obvious. The most visible of these was the shell carrier, which raised cartridges from the magazine to the breech, and stood out like a sore thumb every time the action was operated. Stamped sheet steel parts were substituted in non-critical areas for formerly forged steel parts. The changes to the Model 94 were relatively minor, but never the less devastating to the 94's reputation. It was also the world's most popular sporting rifle, and still is with over 5,000,000 sold by 2001. It was a very solid and handsome rifle, a legend in its own time, and an American icon. The metal finish was a highly polished blue and in the later part of that era the stock had a gloss finish. Olin still manufactures Winchester ammunition, however.įrom 1894 to 1963 the Model 94 lever action rifle had been manufactured using high quality forged steel parts and stocked in genuine American black walnut.
In a few years Olin was out of the gun business. Ultimately, in 1981, Olin Corporation struck a licensing agreement with United States Repeating Arms to manufacture Winchester firearms, which were no longer a profitable line for Olin. The reaction from gun writers and the shooting public to the changes was swift and terrible, and Winchester has never regained their former position of dominance. You have to understand that the Model 94 was an icon amongst lever action rifles and the standard of comparison at the time. Unfortunately, the revisions included the Model 94 lever action rifle. That was the year that their revised (for cheaper manufacture) line of firearms was introduced. Repeating Arms Co., Inc.ġ964 was a big year for Olin/Winchester.
Winchester 94ae 45 colt capacity full#
In the 45 LC, when you go to full power house factory ammo like Cor-Bon and Buffalo Bore ammo (not the standard anemic factory loads), and compare that ammo to the standard 44 Mag loads from like Remington, Winchester, Federal, etc., the gap will actually narrow a little more.By Chuck Hawks Win. A deer at 50yds or so, isn't going to be able to tell the difference, that's for sure. So, as you can see the 45 LC pretty much can do anything the 44 Mag can do. The two when loaded to near max or max, are very close to ballistic twins. 100yds.0 & 820 FPE.0 & 840 FPE.0 & 700 FPE.0 & 700 FPEĪs you can see there is a little difference, with a slight edge to the 44 Mag, but there is not a 22LR worth of difference between the 2 in terms of FPE, less than 1" in trajectory, and approximately 100 FPS difference in velocity. The 44 Mag vs the 45 LC stacks up like this with a 100yd zero(I am using ballpark figures out of common reloading data books here, not my personal load data which may be a tad hotter): The 45 Colt can be loaded up to 1,450-1,500 FPS range with 250gr bullets and 1,200 FPS with 300gr bullets. The 44 Mag can be loaded up to around the 1,500-1,550 FPS range with 240gr bullets and in the 1,300 FPS range with 300gr bullets. For a somewhat apple to apple comparison, I will use the 44 cal (.429") 240gr and the 45 cal (.452") 250gr Hornady XTP, since that is a popular bullet for handloads and factory ammo.
0 kommentar(er)
