Winchester 94's for CAS shooting ?

[Will Pluggum]

Gents.....bein' a greenhorn to CAS, I'm  not up to speed  in more ways then one.  Like to ask why Winchester levers  are not popular for CAS competition.  Seems Marlin is the favorite by far.  Muchas gracias....

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Howdy Slim,

Do you mean Winchester 94s?  or the Winchester replicas of the 92, 73, 66 and Henry?

The 73 and 66 replicas are very popular.  There are a good number of the 92s out there as well.

The Win 94 is made for a rifle length cartridge and it has a long throw of the lever.  It's not a bad choice to get started, but it's not the best and you can usually get a Marlin or Rossi for about the same $$.  If buying American made is improtant to you, then you only have the Win and Marlin as options.

Keep askin' questions, we're here to help ya.
Adios,

[Will Ketchum]

Sedona, first welcome to Cas City and to W&CAS (Western & Cowboy Action Shooting).

It 's not that Winchesters aren't popular.  The Clones as well as originals of the 66s, 73s and 92s (well not many original 66s)
are very popular.  The problem with the 94 is that it was designed as a rifle caliber action and just doesn't lend itself to the pistol calibers.  There are some that function fine but mant take alot of work before they are exceptable.  Even then they have a longer throw than other models.

The most popular rifles for the top shooters are probably the toggle link actions, the 73s and 66 clones.  They are more costly but even new out of the box are pretty smooth.

Besides they look really cool   I find the modern Marlin to be one of the ugliest rifles around

Will Ketchum

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[Will Pluggum]

 fellers...yes, I did mean the model 94 that you can buy for less than $400.  So the longer throw slows you down and the action is a little stiff.  Also maybe some feed problems with .38s, I understand.  Thought it would be an affordable entry level lever gun but I'll keep looking.  I like that new marlin compitition cowboy ( though I prefer the Winchesters looks and heft) but it's close to twice the money.Yikes!  Thanks for the help.....Slim

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Slim,

Look at the 1894C or carbine from Marlin.  Under $400, brand new, just about everywhere.  It's the same action as the cowboy.  The best rifle bargain in CAS.

Are you looking at 357/38 as your cartridge?
Adios,

[Will Pluggum]

Yes, .357/.38.  I've wanted a lever gun in this caliber for years and now that I'm getting into CAS I have no more excuses to not buy Another lever action.  Besides, everything I read recommends this cal. for competition  I will look at the marlin, you don't happen to have a web address where I can find the Rossi line of levers, do you?

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Rossi makes the 92s in Brazil. 
Check out EMF, Navy Arms and LSI as the importers.  You can also check out the auction sites and just look for 92s.. most there are clones by now.

Adios,

[Will Pluggum]

Thanks Big Fin....I think I'll go take a look........Sedona Slim

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Thanks Big Fin....I think I'll go take a look........Sedona Slim

Ain't never been called Big Fin before..
Do I look like a shark?

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[Will Pluggum]

Beg pardon Big Hext Finnigan....some times I take short cuts to reduce typing, guess i shouldn't do it with alias.....by the way how did you get that fin photo found and attached so fast!  Maybe you should go by Big Lightning or maybe Big Warp Speed!!!!
P.S.  is Puma and Rossi one and the same?

[Big Hext Finnigan]

No apology.. I've been called worse.. Jst never been called that particular combination.  I'm taking advantage of the quick posting features..  Loading up for a showdown with JW Neely and Redbeard Slim.  It's gonna be a shootemup fersure.

As for the Puma, yep, it's a Rossi.
Adios,

[Will Pluggum]

Sounds like fun...maybe after I get up to speed here I'll join in, that is, if there's an empty chair at the card table......

[Doc Shapiro]

Slim, where do ya hail from?  Out west here there's a sporting goods store called "Big 5".  They sell some long guns.  One of 'em is a Marlin, usually had for less than $300.  A real good gun for CAS.

The 94 just isn't.  This game is not what it's designed for.

You might be able to pick up some good used guns.  You could try the Classifieds on the SASS Wire (http://www.sassnet.com) and Frontier Spot (http://www.frontierspot.org) .

Doc

[Will Pluggum]

Hi Doc....I'm in the Phoenix, Az area and we have the Big 5 stores.  Will take a look.  If there still sellin' Marlins for $300 I'd better snap one up before they wise up!  Best Price I've found so far is $406 + fees.  I'm beginning to see that the winchester, thou a fine rifle, is not meant for this type of shooting.  You brought up used gear.  I'm thinking there's gotta be a lot of people who got into the sport and then decided to get out and have guns for sale, also those moving to new gear and selling their old.  I guess these forums would be the best place to find those deals......Thanks to all for the warm welcome....Sedona Slim
Understand theres a CAS shoot at Reo Salado Range east of Phoenix Sat the 6th...looking forward to going..My first..

[Big Hext Finnigan]

The Big 5 Marlins have a different stock (birch rather than walnut) but still a great value. 

Right now, the SASS wire has the most activity in merchandise.  TFS gets some activity.  The best idea for you is to find a local club and network there.

[Will Pluggum]

Yeh, I agree.  Hooking up with my local club is the way to go.  That would be at Reo Salado Range, about 30 minutes from my house.  Their next shoot is Mar 6 , I'm looking forward to it.  What is TIF?

[Big Hext Finnigan]

What is TIF?

Do you mean TFS?  The Frontier Spot

[Will Ketchum]

Slim, like Big Fin, I mean Hext said the local clubs can be great sourse for used gear.  Clothing, hats and leather besides guns.  Most local matches I have attended have tables set up where shooters leave the stuff they have to sell.

Just like any shooting sport pards buy guns for what ever reason and then want something else.  Me I usually keep most of my guns and that is how I end up with so many

Will Ketchum

[Marshal Halloway]

Sedona Slim,

Welcome in town. I have used my '94 (Trails End model) since 1997 and I am not planning on replacing it. You need to use some extra force levering the gun compared to the 66, 73 and 92's.

The best advise has been given to you. Check in with a local club and try out the guns the members are using. You'll soon get a top five list to your liking. Then have fun shopping around. Since you live in Phoenix, check in with Tombstone Pardee at Legendary Guns. Follow this link for details:

http://www.legendaryguns.com/CASHome.htm

Welcome to our family, pard.

[Paper Chaser]

Howdy, Sedona and Welcome to the fire!  We're just a bunch of friendly folks and ALWAYS try to make everyone feel welcome.  Sit a spell and I'm sure we'll overload you with plain old 'stuff'.  Now as to the Winchester '94 for CAS:  mine is 45 Colt, 24" barrel and is a 'dead on shooter'; issues are as the other Pards have mentioned.  I'll keep it and keep shooting it but I also have a Rossi '92 (38/357)that shoots GREAT!  Last two matches I've had ZERO misses with it (wish I could say the same for pistols).  Just for 'fun' why not visit a good Pard named Nate Kiowa Jones.  His website is  www.stevesgunz.com
He's known as the 'Rossie 92 Specialist'; says it all.
Now, I'm still thinking about a Marlin but so far the Rossi keeps me in the match.  Maybe I'll find a DEAL for a Marlin at the gun show this weekend, not likely though.
Enough from me, just shoot as many different kinds, models, calibers as you can and then decide.  We're always willing to let folks try our toys.  GO to a shoot!!!
Be SAFE.