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Agree, pre-64 for Model 70's. I don't like the look of the safety buttons either, but might be a good idea for someone who isn't used to lever action rifles.
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I'm no 94 Winchester guy but I was pretty sure the pre/post 64 thing only applied to the model 70's going from a controlled round feed to a push feed. I didn't think they changed anything on the lever gun line around 1964.
In the 80's I believe the made the angle eject for scoping 94's. and later they added the ugly safety buttons.
I'd avoid the safety button one for personal taste reasons only.
Agree, pre-64 for Model 70's. I don't like the look of the safety buttons either, but might be a good idea for someone who isn't used to lever action rifles.
The model 94 didn't undergo any major design changers between 1963, and 1964. It was the quality of the materials that changed. Forged receivers became cast sintered steel. Solid pins and screws were replaced with roll pins. The machined loading lever was replaced with a stamped piece. Steel buttplate became plastic. Standards of fit and finish were lowered as well. All of the changes were cost cutting measures to keep Winchester rifles at a price point within their targeted market.
Functionally, the model 94 didn't really change. The same can be argued for the model 70. I think the real problem shooters had was the erosion of quality, and standards that resulted.
I would pay a small premium for pre 64 Winchester model 94's and model 70's, but only because I'm nostalgic for the old guns my dad, grandfather and uncles owned. I like hunting with old, American made guns from a time when American made meant top quality. I have a 1955 model 94 in .30-30. The quality of that rifle (fit, finish, attention to detail) is so far above the 70's, 80's and 90's versions that it's difficult to consider them the same design. It as if Winchester of the post 63 era was making cheap copies of classic arms. Functionally solid, but cheap feeling and looking. Just my opinion.