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As to the more modern 94's, I have a 1987 BigBore 94 in .375 Winchester. I filed the rear sight to a gentle "V" 'Express' style sight, with an ivory bead front sight. This sighting allows the rifle to hold 1-1/2" at 100 meters with a variety of loads off the bench, and like most 94's points perfectly, for rapid sight aquisition on game - it is fast. It actually has a very smooth 'cast part' action is well worth considering. They are certainly superior to the stamped 94's.
: The Pre-64's are indeed better yet, but cannot handle the pressures the Big Bore 94 can. In 1982 and 83, I shot my moose with it, using 220gr. Horandy FN's at a piddling 1,940fps muzzle velocity using a case full of H335. With faster powders the 20" barrel is capable of making 2,200fps, but I doubt the performance could have been better. The first moose a 500 pound cow, went down in 1-1/2 steps, the other, a smallish 600 pound bull making 3 or 4 steps after being hit. Both shots were made just behind the shoulder and ended up underneath the hide on the far side, perfectly expanded after passing through the 'off' shoulder. I was impressed by these 'light' bullets.
: Currently, I am using a load of 38gr. H322 with the same bullet for 2,000fps even. This load is also accurate.
: I can think of few better ctgs. for deer, moose and elk in the bush, ranged to about 200 yards max. Of equal performance, perhaps a shade better, is a newer side eject .356, or maybe a Marlin 336 in the same calibre, also out of production. The 94 .356Win. I had, I gave to my brother for his guiding back-up rifle. With 250gr. Horandy RN's seated deeply, over 46gr. H335, it makes 2,150fps and smacks moose hard. He's dropped 3 or 4 previously wounded moose so far, in their tracks. It is impressive.
: I personally feel the .30/30 is a bit light for moose or elk, but a premuim bullet like the 170gr. Barnes will add a bit of 'extra' smack for it. I'd try to find a .375Win. if youhandload, or a .356Win, either in the 94 or both in Marlins. Either will become a favourite rifle, I'm certain.
: The pre-64 Winchesters are really nice, but are restricted to mid 30,000CUP pressure. Improvements can be made by going to the .38/55 chambering with heavy handloads pushing 250 or 25gr. bulelts to 1,850fps, or a .35 Lever Power wildcat ctg. that will make 2,000fps with 220gr., either of which I am considering for my old .32.
; The RCMP comm. came out while I was in Basic Taining, Regina. We all ordered them, and upon actually seeing one in the Gaurd House one night, we were very disapointed. These were for the rarer RCMP marked ones, only available to members (or were ours MP marked?). We could order 2 at $135.00 each, each with consecutive serial numbers. I expected a newly made 76, afterall, it we were told it was a commemorative, and was so upset at seeing the stamped parts 94's, I cancelled my order.

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Daryl

"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

Edited by Daryl_S (15/12/06 03:57 AM)