1866 Uberti Yellow Boy

[rbgfishboy]

Hey folks, I have a couple of questions about a Uberti 1866. But first, a little background info. I shoot for fun, not competition; I reload virtually all ammo I shoot; I have experience shooting Rossi lever guns, but the only Uberti or Pietta guns I own are Colt SAA clones. I have run across a "used" unfired 1866 rifle in .45 Colt. I have been reading various forums about the loading gate problems, so I have two questions:
1 - Does anyone know if this problem has been on guns built in a certain time period? This gun was made in the early 2000s.
2 - Who would be the best source for a reinforced replacement gate?
I'm about to bust to try and trade for this gun, but I would like to know what I might need to do about the gate, if I get it. Also (3rd question!), are there any other issues related to this rifle?
The owner of the shop with this gun is a CAS shooter and knows the fellow who bought this gun new, and also knows it hasn't been fired.
Thanks for any responses! You folks always have good info, so I'm sure I'll find out what I need to know!

[Pettifogger]

It's been a problem for many years.  Don't sweat it.  You can buy aftermarket gates.  But, fixing the one you have isn't that big of a problem.  Certainly don't let the gate issue affect your decision to buy or not buy a 66.  If you shoot for fun and don't shoot the volumes of ammo a competition shooter shoots you might not ever have a problem with it. 

[Major 2]

It is also an easy fix ... "so don't let the gate issue affect your decision" as  Pettifogger said 

[Shotgun Franklin]

We use a new one at work. We haven't had a problem with it. It fact the only complaint about that rifle is that it is heavier than the other lever actions we use.

[sail32]

Track of The Wolf has 1866 loading gates.

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Search.aspx?search=1866

[longinosoap]

My 66 was built in 1972. I have had it for 5 years. No loading gate problems.

[rbgfishboy]

Thanks to everybody's replies! I'm in the throws of negotiating a trade for this rifle. I hope I have it by the weekend!

[Shotgun Franklin]

I talked to the guys at work. They say there is an easy modification that can be made to the loading gate that will prevent breakage. You might check the gunsmith section here, could be that someone will know.

[Pettifogger]

The really old 66s had a solid tab welded to the loading gate.  They have not made these for MANY years.  The new style gate uses a skinny tab that is simply bent upwards during gate stamping process.  It does not matter who sells the replacement or whether they claim it is heat treated or stronger the bent tab can bend or break off.  It might last ten years, it might break the first time the gun is used.  But, it is a common failure that Uberti just won't fix.  Here is a photo of the old solid welded loading gate.  In the middle is a bent tab gate with the tab broken off and at the bottom is a bent tab gate with a piece of steel hard soldered on to reinforce the tab.  If you CLEAN the material really well and scuff up the back of the tab and top of the loading gate some people use JB Weld to reinforce the tab.  Put a glob if JB Weld on and when it drys file it to shape.  Not nearly as permanent a fix as soldering on a piece of steel, but it works pretty well.

[Virginia Gentleman]

Nice, are there any videos on how to do this on the Internet?

[rbgfishboy]

Pettifogger - I ended up buying the 1866 and I love it!  Help me out with the pictures you posted of the loading gate. The one at the top is the old style which you say Uberti hasn't used in a long time. Is that a stronger gate than what the have used in recent years? I ask because I have taken the side plates off for a look see, and my loading looks the same as the one at the top of your picture. Am I safe leaving this one in place?