What are you going to shoot?  This rifle is not a long range gun.  It will kill deer sized animals out as far as you can accurately shoot.  These do not come with scope mounts.  If you want a scope don’t buy a collector gun and start putting extra holes in it. What caliber do you want? 30-30, 32-40, 38-55, 32 Win Spl?

Rick – that’s a very straight, decent carbine there.  In a great chambering too   I would think we’re starting to give the OP some good input to ponder.  For what it’s worth, I prefer carbines over rifles in the Model 1894.  

My first Winchester was a 94; my most recent Winchester purchase was a 94. I’ve been known to hunt with one but mostly I just enjoy them. Best way to learn about the 94 is to buy one and shoot it. Any collectors’ show will have Winchester collectors willing to introduce you to the guns they collect. Later Winchesters aren’t doing particularly well at regular gun shows so a shooter may be a pretty good deal these days. Buy a few books and do your homework before diving off into the collector market. Have fun but collect responsibly, Winchesters are rumored to be habit-forming. 

Mike

Well Sharon, a Mod. ’94 Winchester is a good choice , and You are absolutely correct about them being the most popular sporting firearm of all time. Now I take it by Your name ,(Sharon), You are of the female gender so I’ll try and uncomplicate this , carbine vs. rifle thing and the pros and cons thereof. The carbine is a shorter, usually a 20″ barrel, and lighter version and usually a better bush gun, being shorter it will obviously have less range, but still very effective on deer size game at 100-150 yards. I , personally am not a hunter but I’ve had friends very effectively use the 30-30 for moose and bear. A ’94 rifle on the other hand is a little longer barrel, usually 26″ and will reach out farther in open spaces, however it will be noticeably heavier and a little more cumbersome especially in tighter quarters. They made carbines with barrels as short as 14″ and rifles with barrels as long as 36″ by special order. As was mentioned the collector and investment potential is better with an earlier Mod. ’94  but there sure ain’t nothin’ wrong with the more recent ones either and they are usually less expensive. 1964 to mid 1970’s had some quality issues . As far as calibers are concerned the early ’94,s were made in 5 calibers, 25-35, 30-30, .32 spl. 32-40, 38-55, Of these the 30-30 is the most common and arguably the best all round cartridge. Personally I like the 25-35 because We have a caliber restriction in Our area. The later ’94,s have several different calibers, like the shorter 357 and .44 mag.  to the hard hitting larger big bore 375. You would need to determine what Your main useage is going to be then purchase accordingly. If You decide on a “vintage” collector piece, My advice would be to get someone who knows about “94’s to authenticate it before You put big money into it. A lot have been re-finished or parts added , etc. which dramatically reduces the value of a collector gun. Just as an idea of value prices range greatly ex: a beat up old “clunk” will bring $500.00 range, a good serviceable shooter $700.00, with lots of original finish $1800.00 and in Mint original condition , You can pretty well name Your price. Or the deluxe models, go for several thousand $,s. The newer ’94,s will run $1000.00+ and the selection is vast . Whether newer or older, do Yourself a favor and but a good quality piece. Good luck on Your endeavor and I’m sure You will enjoy a Winchester Model 1894.