1866 parts

[MJN77]

Hey fellas. I got to thinking. I have a Uberti 1866 rifle that was made in 1985. What parts would not interchange with current made 1866s? I mean, if something happened to my rifle, could I get it fixed, or would some parts not be available? Just wondering. Thanks.

[Coffinmaker]

Dang MJN77,
What sort of catastrophic disaster are you  trying to prep for?? 
Well, to be brutally honest.  Do Not Break your '66.  The Carrier Block, Breach Block, Firing Pin and Extension, Links and side springs are ALL different and no longer manufactured.  Any parts you break will have to be re-manufactured.  The Butt stock is also different.

Coffinmaker

PS:  Don't break it <}:-)

[MJN77]

That's what I wanted to know. Thanks.

[Flint]

When the trigger/safety spring broke on my early 66, as no parts were available (The lever safety is not the same as the 73), I bought a Henry style (60/66) trigger and spring from VTI and milled the recess in the 66 frame to match the spring, drilled and tapped for the screw.  (I had an Uberti Henry to copy).

The rifle is now functional again, without the lever safety, as is the 66 as currently made.  If I had to replace the bolt, that would be a different kettle of fish....  I didn't look at the time to see if the 73 lever safety parts and two piece trigger could be adapted., as I had no 73 at the time.

[MJN77]

The reason I asked is because I'm thinking of selling my 66. It's a good shooter in great shape and has no problems at all. I think I would rather sell the 66 and put the money towards a gun I like a bit more. Thinking of a 66 SRC in 45 colt or a 24 inch barreled 73 in 44-40. Anyway, thanks for the info.

[jwork]

Dang MJN77,
What sort of catastrophic disaster are you  trying to prep for?? 
Well, to be brutally honest.  Do Not Break your '66.  The Carrier Block, Breach Block, Firing Pin and Extension, Links and side springs are ALL different and no longer manufactured.  Any parts you break will have to be re-manufactured.  The Butt stock is also different.

Coffinmaker

PS:  Don't break it <}:-)

What year did they start changing the parts? I have a 1866 made in 1997, are there still parts for this year?

[Pettifogger]

Actually, even a 1985 model should be a newer model.  You can tell a new one by the carrier length.  They are right at 1.600".  The original old Ubertis were imported in the late 60s and early 70s.  They were available in .22, .38 Special and .44-40.  Their carrier is more like 1.5" and there are no parts.  Parts are available for the "newer" models.  The only other major change was in 2008.  That's when Uberti changed their bolt and firing pin extension design.  If your 97 production 66 ever needs a new bolt there is a kit to upgrade the pre-2008 models to the current design.

[MJN77]

Just to bring some "closure" to this thread...I emailed VTI with this question. This was the reply.

Marshall - Do you have a split trigger spring?  If so then you will have
lots of trouble fitting the current parts to your gun.  We cannot tell from
here by the date you gave.  If you have a solid trigger spring, the you will
be fine with the links and bolt.

VTI Gun Parts

Mine has the solid spring, so I guess parts are still available for my rifle. Thanks for the replies.

[Grenadier]

I'm glad to see you are able to keep it. BTW I still have the original Uberti box for it, if you want it.

[MJN77]

Yeah I'll take the box. Just need time to meet up.