Model 66 carbine

[pistol1911]

This rifle was made in 1979.It has been a safe queen with only a  couple of boxes of cowboy loads shot. I recently loaded some black powder loads 33 grains of ffg Goex 200 grain lead bullet. I fired 20 of these and actually felt some recoil. My concern is firing this old rifle with the small bolt pin. I have not broken the rifle down yet to check the pin but will do so. If it is not bent should I go ahead and replace it with a larger pin?

[Coffinmaker]

Yes.  No.  And ... Maybe.
You actually have several options.  Option #1 is to replace the soft OEM cross pin with a cut off piece of drill the correct size.  Option #2 is to drill out the hole and replace the OEM pin with a larger piece of drill stock.  You cannot buy the larger pin anymore.  Uberti does NOT support the old Breach Block (Bolt) with parts anymore.  If you elect to drill out the old pin hole, you may well intrude into the area the link boss rides in, making the action stiff and causing wear to the link.  Third option is to replace the whole shebang with Uberti's solution to small weak pins.  That means a kit that contains a new Breach Block with link pin, the retaining plate for the Extension Rod, a new Extension Rod and new Firing Pin and return spring.  The kit is out of stock at VTI Gunparts.  The kit may well be in stock at either Cimarron or Taylor's.  Call first.

The other option is to cross your fingers and don't try to out run your ability with the rifle.  The tiny cross pin only becomes a HUGE problem if there is an out of battery discharge.  In that instance, it can get real ugly.

Coffinmaker

[pistol1911]

I have no need for speed as I don't play cowboy. I still shoot NRA bullseye.

[August]

Some feel that design is superior to the more recent design, me among them.

I've fired tens of thousands of rounds through mine and never given that pin a second thought.  It has never asked me to think about it either.

I will say it is easier to disassemble the rifle with that older design. 

You are good to go as I see it!!!

[Pettifogger]

There are thousands and thousands of the old rifles with the pin style firing pin extension retainer.  Ain't nuttin to worry about.  Shoot it.

[Abilene]

If the '66 was made in 1979, I doubt the new-style Uberti bolt assembly will fit.  Use it as-is.