We love lever guns, as do most shooters, since they have a novel "cowboy" feel and their size and weight is less intimidating. The act of cycling through 5 or 6 rounds with the lever is a lot of fun. The most famous lever gun ever made is the Winchester Model 1894 (Model 94). Although there are a lot of moving components inside this rifle, it is unbelievably reliable, and parts are readily available and cheap.
We prefer the open sights, although most don't. Making shots out past 150 yards with the "buckhorn" rear leaf sight is a fun challenge, and this gun is so light and compact, range days make it a real gem. The barrel life of a 94 is very good, due to the moderate pressures of the 30-30 cartridge.
The year of manufacturing is the most contentious issue when it comes to the Model 94. There is a majority of folks out there that prefer the production that occurred before 1964, when Winchester made cost saving changes to the design. We have noticed that the older ones take a blue better, but functionally they have been no better from our experience.
If you can find a rifle with a good working action, and a bright bore, you will enjoy your purchase regardless of the year. In recent years, they have been made under license in Japan. These new rifles are very well made, and their price is high.

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