I am planning a "Nostalgic" deer hunt in a densley wooded area of Maine. I will not be using any modern gadgets like a scope, tree stand, grunt calls, or two way radios. Strictly hunting the old way either by snow tracking or just walking very slowly along old tote roads and the edges of clear cuts. I am planning on possibly purchasing a "Pre- 64" Winchester Model 94 in either .32 Special or the more common 30-30. I know that these guns carry a steep price tag, but I can also sell them for what I have into them down the road. I am looking at two different guns right now. One is a very well cared for 30-30 made in 1917 and the other is a mid 1950's .32 Special. My question is this - If these guns are checked out by a competent gunsmith, are they safe to shoot and hunt with?

Cant speak for the 1917, but dont see any reason why the 32 special wouldnt be just fine. I have one made in early 40s that wasnt particularly care for early in its life but has been in last 30 years. Operates quite well. Top condition pre 64s can be expensive but decent ones to be had in $550 - 600 range.

Absolutely. For sure practice with the iron sights. 32 Winchester ammunition may be a bit scarce, especially these days. The 30-30 (aka 30 WCF) and 32 Special are comparable to each other.

Nothing wrong with them, and if in decent condition will handle any factory ammo... The stock iron sights aren't great, but a lot of those guns in the Northeast had peep sights installed and that makes a huge difference. I hunt with a Marlin 30-30 with peep site with the aperture removed, very fast to get on target, and a lot more accuracy potential then the iron sights.

either would be fine unless modified somehow, make sure to drop a cartridge in the chamber and see if it flops around or drops in snug.
Had a 30-30AI one time that was not marked as such.

don't forget to shop nationwide at www.gunsamerica.com too

I’ve carried and harvested a few deer with my vintage Remington model 14.5 chambered in 38/40

Another classic to consider is the Savage 99.

30-30 and 32win spl are nearly nearly identical balistically

as long as your smith clears them for safe use either would be fine

you shoudl go ammo shopping see what you can find , it is slim pickings most every where even on 30-30

but plenty of 30-06 hanging around , yeah I know not useful to your venture really.

30-06 is over a century old. I think it fits into the vintage category. If you can find a stock WWI military surplus rifle that is in good condition, that would be another easy to sell down the road rifle if you choose to sell.

I take my Grams model 14r Remington hunting once in awhile.

Get a Smoke pole

.35 Remington been around a spell. Not as old as 30-30 perhaps, not sure. 1906 I guess that's a long time.

If you want pure Americana.....it doesn’t get any Bettah than a pre 64....Model 94 Winchester ...chambered in 30-30 with iron sights . I have a 1948 Winchester 94 30-30 safe queen....that is in my hands if I don’t tag out in Muzzy season.

Love to see a special season for rifles that are over 50 years old!

Got an SKS with some history and some deer to it.
Jim

My 30/40 Krag is 112 years old and still packs the freezer with venison.

I have a 1894 Winchester with a 32 inch octagon barrel made in 1927 according to the Blue Book. It has a tang peep sight that folds down. It shoots very well with Hornady 32 special lever evolution ammo. I have and like the unusual cartridges like 38-55, 32-40, 218 Bee, 250 and 303 Savage. Seems like everybody has a thuty thuty! Nothing wrong with the 30-30 for sure, I've had a few of em.
I also shoot a 220 Swift so I guess that confirms I like the non main stream stuff!

I frequently use a 1921 model 94 in 30 WCF, (30/30). Great shooter, superior to my 1974 model 94 in every way, especially trigger. My only complaint is that modern factory ammo seems to have a weak cannelure crimp, and bullets seat themselves deeper when carried in tubular magazine. I have shot numerous caribou and moose with it. Favorite ammo was the old Winchester Silvertips, 170 grain.

This is a very interesting post.

i shot a couple doe with gramma's old 35 rem pump but swear i'm more accurite with my flintlock.