Anyone had experience with a Winchester Model 94 in 32 Special?

Pap

Pap,
Although I no longer own one, I have hunted with my #94 (in 32 Winchester Special) on may hog hunts. It "slightly" surpasses the 30-30 Winchester in 170 grain load comparisons by about 10%.
Factory loads show 2200 FPS for the 30-30 and 2250 FPS for the 32, "BUT" (Here we go again)...1920 FT. LBS. of energy, compared to 1827 FT. LBS. for the 30-30 tells the "real story"! It'll thump a hog or deer and also great for black bear!
Of course, the 32 Special was 1st introduced around 1910-12 and was "intended" for smokeless powder, explaining the nickel steel barrel. The rifle was nearly twice the price of their current 30-30 at the introduction!
Hope this helps, Capt. Chris
PS: I currently have a Browning Deluxe 32-20 and a matching Ruger S.A. revolver to fulfill my 8mm needs...CCS

I have a chance to get one at a decent price,it was made in 1953 and minty. I would need a peep sight for these old eyes. Thanks Cap for the info.

Pap

If I had a chance at a decent priced .32 special...I'd be taking it!!!
There are plenty of good peep sights out there right now.
:-)Rocky

Pappy,
A few years ago,Hornady breathed some new life into the 32WCF with the introduction of their "leverlution"ammo.

As the Captain said,the cartridge was introduced for use with the then new smokeless ammo,but,if memory serves me correctly,there was also factory BP loads for it.

The famous gunsmith,P.O.Ackley had said that he rebored a number of shot out 30-30 barrels to 32WCF with excellent results.

If you have the chance to get a Model 94 in 32WCF,by all means,get it.

Wayne

My Dad had one and I used it to get my first deer at 17 years old. Nice !