Original Win 1873 SRC, rear barrel band screw

[Daybreak Dave]

Looking for a source for the rear barrel band screw that is a correct screwhead.  I have an original 1873 carbine, and have tried 2 different screws, one from Dixie and one from a Chas Jones Gunparts, and they are both wrong.  At about $5 a screw, I would like the next one to be correct!  The head is made wrong on both, and the original head besides having threads below the head, which these have, is a very small, tapered head which fits flush with the surface ofthe barrel band.  The screws I buy have a head slightly too large, and not tapered.  Any ideas?
Thanks,
Daybreak Dave

[Bull Schmitt]

Dave,

Since you have two screws and they are both okay except for the shape of their heads why not chuck one of them in a hand drill or drill press and reshape the head with a file. I frequently have to do this with hard to find/homemade screws.

[Daybreak Dave]

Bull,

I may have to try that.  I thought of it, but I would sure rather find the correct screw.
I am trying to put this 73 back to as close to "original" as possible.

This particular screw is unique.  The threads are immediately adjacent to the head, only about 3-4 threads, then the shank is bare to the end.  So it would chuck in a drill without hurting the threads.  The problem is in the metal removal, I would be working right against the threads trying to put the taper on it.  Hey, it's worth a try, I own the screws anyway.

I have bought some original parts and screws on Ebay.  I have never seen this screw yet in 1-2 years of occasional looking.  Screws bring real top money if they are not all messed up and buggered, and even then they bring more than reproduction screws.  The other day, a group of 6 original screws for a 73 receiver in very excellent shape went for $91  !!

Thanks,
Daybreak Dave

[Bull Schmitt]

Dave,

I know what you mean when you say the cost of original parts is high. I have been rebuilding a 1873 rifle and finding some of the screws was a chore. You may find some places listed at this site who would have the original screw you need:

http://www.usracmfg.com/obsolete.htm

Good luck pard.