Everybody took the 1894 for granted UNTIL they were dropped. Now that the Japan gun wholesales for nearly $1K, prices for the older models have rightly gone through the roof.
I recently sold a blood-stained '94 loaner/camp rifle that has taken who knows how much game for $400.
If you want a '94, get an older Winchester Repeating Arms 30/30 Top-Eject model in good shape, pony up and pay the piper. You will be glad you did.
A Pre-64 is worth the extra bucks, and will be worth a small fortune when the lucky kid gets old.