Bob,
I know this is a shotgun thread.
I guess that it was about the time that I bought my Winchester Model 94 lever rifles as a primary hunting (deer in GA) weapon and then when I got interested in the old design.
I know the modern stuff is better. I still prefer the older design.
Sorry, but to me the Winchester Model of 1894 is good. And like the Winchester 50; this category is currently priced well below the replacement market.
I am proud to have two 94's and a 50.