[Trascan]

I have a Mdl 94 Carbine made in 1949. Its a good shooter, the stock has been cut for a buttpad and a few "notches" filed in it for the six black tailed deer and one black bear the old guy I got it from claimed to have killed with it. Most of the screws are slightly "boogered" up and it retains very little of the original blueing. I bought it a number of years ago to shoot and because I liked the old guy. He has since gone on to meet his maker.

I ride my atv into some rough country here in Arizona and I think this rifle would make a fine companion for such outings. My eyes aren't what they were and I would like to add a peep sight. This would require drilling and tapping the receiver. I might add a sling.

What do you think? I don't think the gun is all that collectible in its present condition but I don't know. Post 64 mdl 94's aren't terribly expensive but I "trust" this gun.

P.S. I'm never without my 1934 manufacture Colt Official Police 38 special 5" barrel.

 

[Foggy]

Have you shoot it?? After you have shot it then you an only you will know if it can be trusted. From what you wrote, the old boy that owned it would want it out and about .
I sport and old model 28 S&W 4" and a Marlin from the 60's they suit me .
I say carry it enjoy it that old man will be hunting with you.

 

[Trascan]

Thanks Foggy, yes I shoot it, it shoots fine. I do carry it now its just that its getting harder to shoot accurately with the buckhorn sights.

My question has to do with drilling and tapping the reciever for the Lyman or Williams sight.

 

[M8ball]

By "Would You?", I'm assuming the question is still "Would you do it?"
That's a tough one. I've got a similar dilemma with a hand-me down Winchester in pitiful shape. I, too, have thought about adding a receiver site and maybe some sling mounts to make the rifle a little more practical for the kind of hunting I do.

As a rifle enthusiast and somewhat collector who's frequented too many gun stores and shows, I've seen enough rifles poorly modified (sporterized, bubba-ized and just plain ruined) that I can't bring myself to add anything aftermarket unless I'm damn sure I can add/remove it without adding a hole. So normally my thought is, if you want a customized hunting rifle, don't take an old rifle and "ruin" it by putting on a modern add-on; buy a modern rifle and make it the way you want it. But if the gun doesn't have any collector value and you're emotionally tied to it, why shouldn't you?

For what it's worth, I would give serious thought to the modification this way:
1) Is the things buggered up enough that an aftermarket sight is the least of its problems?
2) Can I get a receiver or tang sight that will look at least somewhat correct on my 94?
3) Am I absolutely certain that I'm not going to sell this rifle?

If the anwer to all three is a definite yes, find a good smith to do the drill/tap, and take your old friend out!

If they question is "Which one", I'd look in some old magazines (scads of them on the net), to get a feel for what types/brands of sight were available then and pick one that looks vintage for a late 40's, early 50's 94 and go with that one. Personally, I'd go for a Lyman or Marbles.

 

[DAG460]

Trascan

Take a look at oneraggedhole.com for a peep site that will install on your rifles buckhorn sight without any modification to your rifle. They make them for handguns also for us oldtimers. I haven't tried one yet but am seriously looking into it for my 1886 win. It might save you from drilling holes in your rifle.

DAG

 

[Trascan]

Thanks M8ball and DAG, I will look into it.

 

[Graybeard]

Yes I would in a heart beat. The gun in the condition you describe really has little collector value and there are MILLIONS of them out there. I'm a little surprised as old as it is that it is not already drilled and tapped for a receiver peep. Many many thousands of them if not over a million of them wear peeps already as it was a fairly common addition to the old rifles. It will look quite natural and normal on there if done properly. Both the Lyman and Williams sights have been around a really long time and either would be period correct for it. Just do it.

 

[Strawhat]

Trascan,

It is your rifle, do whatever you want to it to make it better for you.

My kids don't understand my penchant for receiver sights, they think it has to be a scope. Screw them, I like aperture sights.

When I die, if the get the chance, they can change them. Until then, I will put whatever sight I think appropriate on any rifle that is mine.

In case you missed it, I am somewhat opinionated and not too shy about voicing my opinion.

Put the apertures on it and don't look back. If it does devalue the rifle, the only ones who will know it will be your heirs!

 

[Trascan]

Thanks to all. The irony is: after about 1950 most if not all of them came from the factory already drilled and tapped. Or so I've been told. I also have a 1949 manufacture Mdle 94 in 32 win special, my father favorite caliber. Its pristine and I wouldn't think of modifying it.

I bid on a vintage Redfield peep on E-bay but it went for $132. and that's almost what I paid for the 30-30!

I'm still contemplating but am leaning heavily towards doing it. I would rather have the old gentleman riding along with me than gathering cob-webs in the closet.

Its kinda like being married to a beautiful woman you never......oh never mind. LOL

 

[lloyd smale]

like bill said there about a dime a dozen at least up here. I still see nice pre 64s in the 300 dollar range all the time. A true collector of 94s is looking for oddball variations or real low serial no guns that are immaculate.