Henry/66/73 Buttstocks

[Capt. Montgomery Little]

Does anyone know the real difference between the Henry, 66 and 73 butstocks, ie. mounting to frame, buttcap differences, etc.
I would like to convert my 66 to a late fourth model which requires steel furniture (butt and forend caps). Willl the steel furniture for the Henry or 73 fit? If not quite, are the buttstocks close enough in size/shape to alter. I know the 66/73 forends are the same.  Anny help would be greatly appreciated.

[Coffinmaker]

Capt Little,

The answer is yes and no.  Several years ago, Uberti standardized the butt stocks and the tangs on the rifles.  Uberti also standardized the basic stocks themselves to a degree.
The length of pull and drop at the comb for '66 and '73 are the same as is the in-letting for the tangs.  The furniture has slightly different dimensions.  A simple solution is to order a '73 butt stock and fore end piece, depending on when your rifle was manufactured.  If it was built in the last 3 - 5 years, whe swap will require minor fitting.  If the rifle is older than that, possibly some major headaches.
The Henry Butt Stock is approximately 1/2 inch longer than the others and a mite wider to accommodate the trap for the cleaning rod.  In-letting for the tangs is the same

Coffinmaker

[Capt. Montgomery Little]

Coffinmaker,  According to VTI Gunparts, the 66 and 73 forestocks are exactly the same therefore the nosecaps should interchange. No problem there (hopefully). If the buttstocks have been standardized, the buttplates should also interchange if manufactured in the last 3-5 years (mine is within that time). If this is true (hope...hope...hope) all I need do is order the two parts in steel, install them and...voila...I have a late fourth model Model 66 which was actually chambered in 44-40. However, being in the grip business I have discovered that nothing is "face to face" interchangeable. Still, it sounds feasable so I think I shall do it.  Thanks for the info. Now, it would really be nice if the "pistolgrip" buttstock would fit also. A late fourth model 66 with pistolgrip buttstock and full-length brass scope would truly be a beautiful piece of equipment.  NEXT PROJECT!

[Abilene]

I have replaced '73 rifle buttstocks with '66 buttstocks a couple of times (the '73 stock had been cracked or broken in shipping, and there were only '66 stocks available for replacements).  The steel crescent buttplate was too long at the bottom, but careful trimming with a belt sander (and then rebluing) made for a good fit to the wood.

[Flint]

I don't know which direction Uberti went when they unified the buttstocks, or whether the wood itself is the difference, but My Henry and 66's have a different (more) drop at the heel than my 73.  The problem is that I can whip up the Henry or a 66 to my shoulder and have a perfect sight picture, but the 73 comes up with a front sight high and barrel showing.  I have to deliberately pull my face down real tight to get the 73 level or it will shoot high.

If the Henrys and the 66's of current manufacture match the 73's, I'm glad I have older Yellowboys.

[Dirty Brass]

I noticed the same thing when going from one to another at the range - thought it was just me with my low cheek bone...actually my '66 comes up the best for me.....

Anyhow....back on track as they say 

[Fox Creek Kid]

In 2000 I traded for this Henry that the previous owner tastefully converted into a quasi Type I Henry buttstock. Shoulders like a dream:

[Wild Billy Potts]

...voila...I have a late fourth model Model 66 which was actually chambered in 44-40.

I may be mistaken here, but I have never seen any reference for the '66 being chambered for the .44-40 during the original production life. There were some made in .44 Henry CF, but no publication has ever listed .44 WCF. Or am I reading the post wrong?

[Flint]

If you are referring to Capt. Montgomery Little's post, I presume he's referring to Uberti production, not the original Henry.  The original Henry and 66 were produced in 44 Henry caliber.

[Coffinmaker]

The only differences in the butt stocks '66 - '73 ' - Henry are the width at the butt place and the depth/shape of the "perch belly" which also changes the drop at the heel.  But not by much, except for the Henry which has a 1/2 inch longer length of pull.  Then we can add the "Iron Frame" butt stock into the mix, which is different at the top of the butt plate as well.
The basic machining for the tangs and drop at the comb are all the same on the new guns.  Must guys/gals don't notice the difference at the heel. 
OOPS ..... forgot the carbine.  Different breed of cat ........ almost.  Thicker stock, Thicker butt plate, entirely different angle on the butt plate, but ............ basic machining for the tangs ....... the same.  Oh, also, the thickness at the wrist may very a tiny bit.  Minor fitting.
Swapping stocks has been simplified ...... somewhat, but attention must be paid to the period of manufacture.  The older '66s and Henrys had different tangs entirely, with two top screws and would NOT interchange with the '73.  Heck, a lot of them wouldn't interchange between matching guns.

This sure is a fun game we play isn't it!!

Coffinmaker

[Capt. Montgomery Little]

Billy and Flint, 
                   The 66 Winchester was indeed chambered in 44-40 in the late 4th model (see pp 120, Nov. 08 American Rifleman). This was sometime  previous to 1879 or during that year as that is the mfg. date of this particular rifle. The rifle photos and article was submitted by S.P. Fjestad, author of the Bluebook of Gun Values.  If the buttplate were of the size and configuration that it could be modified to fit, I have all blueing materials to complete the work.  Gonna check prices and availability now.