66 loading gate door ?

[Buffalow Red]

my 66's (fairly new ) loading gate door rides a little low & sometimes doesent want to snap shut
i concedering bending it for more spring action but first wondered if anyone else had this problem & how y fixed it

[Daniel Nighteyes]

You've probably already thought of and done this, but just in case: When I read your post my first thought was to be sure the screw that attaches the loading gate to the side plate is tight.

[Joe Lansing]

    Find out where it's binding and hone down those surfaces.

                                           J.L.

[James Hunt]

For $16 you can pitch the troublesome Italian piece of crap and get an aftermarket piece from TOW which is a copy of the original, works well, and is very attractive. Several of us have done this and are very happy with it.

Find it at:

www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(y4ibbnva4onkwf3iozgzvd55))/Categories/partDetail.aspx?catId=12&subId=79&styleId=271&partNum=WIN-66-GATE-A

[bluejay]

Will the Track of the Wolf gates fit an 1873? If so, which one?
Thanks

[Coffinmaker]

Bluejay,

No.  The '73 is completely different.  The '73 gates seldom if ever fail.  The problem mentioned above with the '66 gate is primarily related to something dragging.  The dragging can be a problem is both rifles if the gate isn't properly aligned in the port.
The primary problem with the '66 gate (spatula) is the little bent tab on the back that acts as the cartridge stop.  On the factory gate, they (the little tab) beak off.  The Track of the Wolf gate and the gate offered by VTI gunparts are made of sterner stuff and are not prone to failure.  The Cowboys and Indian store also offer a really nice, if pricy, reinforced gate that is "forever."

Coffinmaker

[bluejay]

Thank you Coffinmaker. I did not have that straight in my head yet.

I had been looking for a used 1866 or 1873 for about a year. Some came and went, I didn't jump fast enough, etc.
I recently tracked down an 1873 and jumped all over it. It is still in transit, but my mind is racing around thinking of how it could need a few things. In no particular order, case, sling, rear sight, front site?, handloads, spring upgrade, miscellaneous.

[bluejay]

I recently tracked down an 1873 and jumped all over it. It is still in transit,

Well the rifle arrived and I didn't like it. I have already sent it back, and have something else on order.
I hope to be able to post a picture of a new 66 by Easter.   

[Joe Lansing]

    Bluejay, are you looking for an original Winchester gate or a repro?

                                                                  J.L.

[Joe Lansing]

    Bluejay: sorry I mis-read your post. I thought you were looking for a gate, not a complete rifle.

                                                               J.L.

[bluejay]

Joe,
Sorry about the confusion. I was asking if an 1873 ever needed a loading gate. I found out they don't.

I got confused with my postings, and yes I'm having (lack of) rifle trouble. Only cure I know of is a small plastic card with my name on the back. 

[Daniel Nighteyes]

Buffalow Red, did you ever get your gate fixed?  Enquiring minds want to know...

[Buffalow Red]

no i probly need to order a new gate