Winchester 94 Lever Action Rifle Owners Manual

							Licensee
Winchester Model 94 Lever Action Rifle OwnerÕs Manual
¨ 
						

							Important instructions for 
Winchester Model 94 
Lever Action Rifle
U.S. Repeating Arms Company, Inc.
275 Winchester Ave.
New Haven, CT, U. S. A. 06511-1970
Winchester trademarks licensed from Olin Corporation. 
Use the space below to record information about your
new Model 94 rifle.
Model _________________________________________
Caliber ________________________________________
Serial Number  __________________________________
Purchased From  _________________________________
Date of Purchase  ________________________________
We sincerely hope that you are pleased with your new
Winchester Model 94 rifle. We at U.S. Repeating Arms
Company thank you for the privilege of crafting this rifle
for you. We are especially proud of the many years of
enjoyment it is certain to provide for you and your 
family. The Model 94 is another rifle in an over 130
year-old tradition of producing quality firearms for the
WorldÕs sportsmen. Quality of manufacture, design,
craftsmanship and function are of utmost concern to us.
We believe youÕll find that your new 94 meets the
Winchester tradition of quality in every way. If you have
any questions or comments regarding your new firearm,
please feel free write to us at our administrative offices:
Customer Service Department
U. S. Repeating Arms Company, Inc.
275 Winchester Avenue
Morgan, Utah 84050-9333
Phone: 1-800-945-5237
Print Code: 9802/94537 
						

							1
Contents Page
Gun safety warnings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
General description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Terminology and descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Serial number  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
General Features  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Ammunition  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Initial cleaning  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Oiling the action  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Operation of the hammer and hammer stop  . . . . . . . . . .9
Lowering the hammer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Trigger stop  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Assembly/Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Installing a scope  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
General Operation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Loading procedures   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Unloading procedures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
In the case of a misfire   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Firing procedures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Sight adjustments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Hammer Extension  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Cleaning and Maintenance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Ordering parts / service or repair  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Questions & Winchester.com  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27MODEL94 LEVERACTION
This manual covers all current versions of the lever action
Model 94 rifle that feature the following:
¥ Advanced rebounding hammer, hammer block and
cross bolt hammer stop. 
¥ Positive side ejection (for better ejection when using a
scope).
¥ Adjustable rear sight mounted on the barrel (not the
tang).
This manual includes instructions for standard caliber
models as well as Big Bore models. Models may have large
lever loops or standard levers. This manual includes cur-
rent models with hardwood, laminated, walnut or compos-
ite stocks. Instructions are the same for all current cal-
ibers.
No gun better represents the Winchester legacy than 
this rifle. Just like the original Model 94s of the past,
youÕll appreciate its beautiful craftsmanship, and 
superb function. 
						

							2
GUNSAFETYWARNINGS
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THESE OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS BE THOROUGHLY STUDIED
BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM TO ASSURE
PROPER AND SAFE GUN HANDLING. FAILURE
TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS OR FAIL-
URE TO OBEY ANY SAFETY WARNING MAY
RESULT IN INJURY TO YOURSELF OR 
OTHERS, OR CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR GUN. 
As a gun owner, you accept a set of demanding responsi-
bilities. How seriously you take these responsibilities can
be the difference between life and death. There is no
excuse for careless or abusive handling of any firearm. 
At all times handle your rifle and any other firearm with
intense respect for its power and potential danger.
PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL OF
THE CAUTIONS, PROPER HANDLING PROCE-
DURES AND INSTRUCTIONS OUTLINED IN
THIS BOOKLET BEFORE USING YOUR NEW
FIREARM.
1. Do not carry a loaded gun with a live round in the
chamber while walking, running, climbing a tree, crossinga fence or anywhere you might slip or fall, drop the gun or
otherwise bump or jar the gun. A gun that is dropped,
bumped, or jarred with a chambered round might acciden-
tally discharge even with the safety on, causing serious
injury to you or someone else. When a round is cham-
bered keep the safety on until you are ready to shoot.
2. Do not rely on the safety to prevent accidental dis-
charge. Many safeties merely block the trigger and prevent
firing by pulling the trigger. The safety may not prevent
an accidental discharge due to dropping, jarring, or 
bumping a gun.
3. Use only ammunition for which the gun is chambered
as indicated on the barrel, to prevent excessive pressure
and possible serious personal injury.
4. Incorrectly reloaded ammunition can cause serious per-
sonal injury and damage to the firearm due to excessive
pressure. Reload only after proper instruction and in strict
compliance with instruction and data contained in 
current reloading manuals.
5. Never point a gun at anything you do not intend to
shoot. Always keep it pointed in a safe direction in case of
accidental discharge. 
						

							3
6. Always check to ensure that the barrel is free of
obstructions before loading and using the gun. If you 
experience light recoil or off sound, check the barrel for
obstruction.
7. Before firing, clean any grease or oil out of barrel with
cleaning rod and patch. Grease or heavy accumulation of
oil can cause excessive pressure and result in serious 
personal injury.
8. Keep barrel, chamber and action free of rust. Rust in
the barrel and chamber can cause excessive pressures
resulting in serious injury. A rusted, pitted or eroded 
barrel should be replaced.
9. Use hearing protection to prevent ear damage from
repeated exposure to gunfire.
10. Always use proper shooting glasses to prevent eye
injury from flying particles.
11. Never carry a loaded gun in a motor vehicle or carry
one into a dwelling. Always carefully unload the gun
before entering a motor vehicle, a dwelling or an area
such as a camp. Always point a gun in a safe direction
while loading or unloading to prevent serious injury in
case of an accidental discharge. Never load in the house
or in your vehicle.12. Never shoot at a hard, flat surface or at the surface of
water to avoid a ricochet and possible serious personal
injury to yourself or a bystander.
13. Store guns in a clean dry place out of reach of children
and separated from stored ammunition.
14. Never alter any parts of your gun. Any alterations or
adjustments that may become necessary to the operating
mechanism should be performed by a qualified gunsmith.
15. Hunting from elevated surfaces such as tree stands is
dangerous. Doing so may increase the risk of handling any
firearm. Always make certain that the stand being used is
safe, sturdy and stable. Always make certain your firearm
is unloaded when it is being taken up and down from the
stand. Always make certain that your firearm is not
dropped from the stand or dropped while it is being taken
up or down from the stand.
16. Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, clean-
ing firearms, or handling ammunition may result in expo-
sure to lead and other substances known to cause birth
defects, reproductive harm and other serious physical
injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Wash
hands thoroughly after exposure. 
						

							GENERALDESCRIPTION
Your new Model 94 rifle is a modern version of the most
famous of all lever action rifles. With a few minor excep-
tions, the action is identical to the way the originals were
made in 1894. Yet youÕll find that todayÕs manufacturing
equipment and technology make it possible to produce a
rifle with more precision, closer metal-to-wood fits and
tighter overall tolerances than possible in earlier times.
WeÕre sure that the greatest Winchester gunmakers of the
past would  be very proud of todayÕs Model 94.
Your new Model 94 is truly a gun that can stand very
close scrutiny. It exhibits the kind of quality you will be
proud to display. 
Your new Model 94 also features our highly functional 
4
FIGURE 1A
Butt Plate Manual hammer stop
Loading Port
Finger leverTrigger
ButtstockForearm
Muzzle
Ejection PortRebounding hammer
FIGURE 1B
Manual
hammer
stop
Pushed to
left: off safePushed to
right: 
Òon safeÓ
Rebounding
hammer
Barrel bands
Trigger
Guard
Rear Sight
Front Sight
Magazine Tube 
						

							manual hammer stop built into the receiver, as well as our
rebounding hammer system. This rifle also contains an
automatic hammer stop which blocks the hammer from
striking the firing pin until the trigger is pulled. These
advanced features move the traditional Model 94 design
to a new level of convenience and safety. All features are
explained in detail later in this manual.
Some versions may vary slightly in appearance. For exam-
ple ÒBig BoreÓ versions have a slightly scalloped receiver
Ñ but basic operation and function remain the same for
all models.
IMPORTANT:  REFER TO FIGURE 1A FOR 
GENERAL PART DESCRIPTIONS REGARDING
YOUR NEW RIFLE. YOU MUST BECOMEFAMILIAR WITH ALL PART NAMES LISTED
BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE REST OF
THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL.
TERMINOLOGY ANDDESCRIPTIONS
Descriptions in this manual generally refer to the gun in
the horizontal position. That is, in the normal firing 
position. For example, the muzzle is forward or front; the
buttstock is rearward or rear; the trigger is downward or
underneath; the sight is upward or on top. For general
parts terminology, refer to Figure 1-A. 
The Winchester Model 94 is also shown in some detail,
focussing on the hammer and lever mechanisms (See
Figure 1-B through 1-C). You must be familiar with these
part names in order to follow instructions contained in
this book. Figure 1-D covers the general features and ben-
efits of the Model 94 design.
Throughout this manual the ÒactionÓ refers to the mecha-
nism of this rifle which loads and secures the cartridge in
the chamber.
SERIALNUMBER
The serial number is located on the bottom of the receiv-
er, at the front, close to where it contacts the rear of the
forearm. Record the serial number in this book for future
reference.
5
FIGURE 1C
Finger LeverTrigger Guard Trigger Rebounding
hammerManual hammer stop
Trigger stop 
						

							6
All models are drilled and tapped for a scope mount, and
some are supplied with a scope included. With a scope and
the right caliber your Model 94 can reach well out to 200 yards
and beyond. 
Models come in large or standard loop
designs.
Metal-to-metal tolerances
of todayÕs 94 are much
tighter than ever before.
Some models are supplied with special, see-
through scope mounts, allowing the use of
both the scope and open sights.
Several options of stocks are
available . . . from elegant
walnut stocks suitable for
collectors to  models made
with a practical grade of
hardwood or composite 
construction. 
TodayÕs Model 94 exceeds the original in may ways, in overall fit and fin-
ish, the level of precision and the quality of the materials. But importantly,
because the original design was introduced in 1894, it qualifies for use in
the popular cowboy action shoots across the U.S. and Canada.
The manual hammer stop with
rebounding hammer gives you an
extra margin of safety. These are
significant advantages that you
will appreciate, especially the first
time you train your son or daugh-
ter on the operation of a Model 94.
MODEL94 FEATURES 
						

							FIGURE 1D
7
The side ejection receiver configuration found on
all new Model 94s ejects cartridges out to the
right, under your top-mounted scope. This is a
major difference between the original Model 94s
and is a significant improvement hunters wanted
for many years.  The ultra-strong breech block design has
stood the test of time and is a main reason
for the Model 94Õs accuracy. 
The cold forged chrome
molybdenum steel barrel is
of the same material and
rifling technology
employed on our famous-
for-accuracy Model 70.
No rifle has more classic styling than the Model 94. Yet its success
today is only partly due to its proven ÒcowboyÓ heritage. The 94 has
a level of responsiveness, fast handling, follow-up shot speed and
total reliability that makes it one of todayÕs premier hunting rifles. 
Every Model 94 comes with our proven
open sight design. These sights are
specially made to be easy to adjust,
yet be able to take the effects of tough
hunting conditions.
Over 100 years ago the ultra
strong, ultra durable Model 94
action was the first repeater to
take advantage of the new 30-30
Winchester cartridge with its 
powerful new smokeless powder
loads. It is just as effective today,
and remains one of the most popu-
lar deer hunting rifles in the world.
The handling characteristics of the 94 (especially models with shorter barrels)
make it ideal for hunting in heavy brush and make it especially effective hunting
from tree stands. (Be sure to always follow all regulations and safety rules when
hunting from any tree stand.) 
						

							8
AMMUNITION
Your Winchester Model 94 is designed to shoot modern
factory cartridges only. The caliber of your new Model 94
is inscribed on the barrel near the receiver. Use only
ammunition for which your Model 94 is chambered Ñ as
indicated on the barrel Ñ to prevent excessive pressure
and possible serious injury.
Winchester ammunition is always an excellent choice for
your new Winchester rifle, delivering the unmatched per-
formance and dependability you want. 
MAKE SURE YOU USE ONLY THE EXACT
AMMUNITION/CALIBER AS LISTED ON THE
LEFT SIDE OF THE BARREL.
IMPORTANT: USE ONLY AMMUNITION SUIT-
ABLE FOR USE IN A CENTERFIRE RIFLE WITH
A TUBULAR MAGAZINE. 
Use only flat point, hollow
point, round nose flat point or similar bullets. Never use
pointed or conical point bullets in a centerfire rifle with a
tubular magazine. Failure to follow these instructions may
result in injury to yourself or others, or cause damage to
your gun.
U.S. REPEATING ARMS COMPANY, INC., CAN
ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR INCI-
DENTS WHICH OCCUR THROUGH THE USE OFCARTRIDGES OF NONSTANDARD DIMENSION
OR THOSE THAT WHEN SHOT, DEVELOP
PRESSURES IN EXCESS OF INDUSTRY STAN-
DARDS ESTABLISHED BY THE SPORTING
ARMS AND AMMUNITION MANUFACTURERSÕ
INSTITUTE (SAAMI).
DISCHARGING FIREARMS IN POORLY VENTI-
LATED AREAS, CLEANING FIREARMS, OR
HANDLING AMMUNITION MAY RESULT IN
EXPOSURE TO LEAD AND OTHER SUB-
STANCES KNOWN TO CAUSE BIRTH
DEFECTS, REPRODUCTIVE HARM AND OTHER
SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY. HAVE ADE-
QUATE VENTILATION AT ALL TIMES. WASH
HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER EXPOSURE.
Incorrectly reloaded ammunition can cause serious per-
sonal injury and damage to the firearm due to excessive
pressure. Reload only after proper instruction and in strict
compliance with instructions and data contained in cur-
rent reloading manuals.
INITIALCLEANING
Some metal parts of your new Model 94 have been coated
at the factory with a rust preventative compound. Before
using your Model 94, clean the anti-rust compound from