Redesign of Firing Pin Extension?

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Not too many years ago Uberti redesigned their retention system for the firing pin extension in their Model 1873. I understand the redesign is similar to the original Winchester design and is stronger than the old thin pin that held the firing pin extension in place.

Does anybody know (for sure) if this redesign was also incorporated in Uberti's Henry and 1866 models?

If so, pictures would be great!

Thanks.

[Grizzly Adams]

Howdy, DJ.

The VTI website shows the new bolt, firing pin stop, and extension for the 1866 and 1873.  The diagram for the Henry does not show it, but the parts list shows the new parts for the Henry as well.  The major change was machining the bolt and firing pin extension to accept the new key shaped stop, which is based on the old original winchester firing pin retractor.  Basically they cut off the bottom half of the winchester part (design) which acted as the retractor,  and retained the stop for the two piece fining pin.  The coil spring still serves at the firing pin retractor, as before.  This provides a MUCH stronger set up!

Here is a pic of the same set up that is also used in the new 76s.  I did retro-fit the new parts to one of my 73s.  I would bet that a call to VTI would provide more information.



Check or the diagram on VTI and you will spot the new parts.

[Pettifogger]

In the original Winchester the plate was a firing pin retainer, but it was also a firing pin retractor.  Uberti still uses a spring to retract the firing pin.

Found some pictures.  First, original 73 without the lever safety.  Second, links with the retractor visible under the left pin.  Third, stud on back of links that operates retractor.  Fourth, retractor in retracted position.  Fifth, retractor in fired position.

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[Coffinmaker]

Hi Driftwood,

I don't have pictures, however the last few rifles I have built have all had the new Breach Block, Extension Rod and the Firing Pin Stop.  That is inclusive.  The latest '73s, '66s and Henrys all have the new set up.  Uberti is NOT supporting the old cross pin parts.  Neither the pins nor the Extension Rods for the cross pins are available.  If someone breaks their "old" parts (usually the pin) they either have to make a pin themselves or order a new Breach Block (contains the firing pin stop) and Extension Rod as a "set."  Runs around a hundred bucks.
I'm not real excited for small bore guns, but for those who run large bore guns "fast" and lean toward "warthog" load levels, I do recommend changing out to the new parts. 

Coffinmaker

[Fox Creek Kid]

Pettifogger, NICE photos and commentary!! 


Coffinmaker, thanks. I never knew one could retrofit the new parts on the old guns. Would this not be a gunsmith only proposition however as to properly check headspace or am I missing something?   

This would make for a SUPERB pictorial guide here on how to change out the parts. 

[Coffinmaker]

FCK,

You have to define "old."  When you get back to the really ancient Ubertis, you can't.  I'll go out on a limb and say you can put the new Breach Block & Firing Pin Extension in guns built in the last 10 - 15 years.
The change will be mostly "drop in" unless you have some serious Head Space Problems.  I would also suggest while at it, if you have the old small head firing pin, you change out to the large head firing pin and re-shape the nose of the firing pin while you have it apart.

Coffinmaker

[Fox Creek Kid]

Thanks, Coffinmaker. 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Thanks to all, especially for the photos.

[Montana Slim]

Has anyone tried installing the "new" Uberti bolt into an original '73 ??

Slim

[Coffinmaker]

Slim,

The breach Block and Firing Pin for an original '73 is completely different.  While the Breach Block looks quite similar externally, the two are quite different. 
There is no Firing Pin Extension Rod and separate "little" Firing Pin either.  The Firing Pin and Extension  for an original '73 are "one piece."

Hoever, in actual answer to your question ............ No.  Never bothered to try.  I doubt seriously the Uberti parts would even fit.  I don't have an original '73 handy or ...................

Coffinmaker

[SGT John Chapman]

Never tried it, I've always figured if the rest of it is still a "Metric Winchester" it still wouldn't fit an original......Close only counts in horse shoes,....hand grenades and Nuclear bombs.......

[Grizzly Adams]

I have not tried the bolt, but as coffinmaker points outs, its a whole different deal than the original.  I have tried other parts (carrier and springs), and they do not work in the original. 

Jim Bowie told me that he had successfully installed a short stroke kits in the original Winchester, but no longer does it because of the time and work ($) involved.  Basically Uberti link pins must be installed in the original frame, and the left link modified to include the firing pin retractor stud on the back of the link.  The link pins in the original 1873 are smaller than the Uberti pins - thus the need to use Uberti pins.

Actually, I think this would be a great project, with a follow up article in the CC, for Larsen E. Pettifogger!  How about it Larsen?

[Fox Creek Kid]

...Actually, I think this would be a great project, with a follow up article in the CC, for Larsen E. Pettifogger!  How about it Larsen?

Pettifogger is busy making a Transition Henry. 

[Coffinmaker]

Side loading Henrys are a .......... BLAST!!  Got 2.'

Coffinmaker