Need 66 loading gate (spoon)

[Reverend P. Babcock Chase]

Howdy folks,

Well the loading gate tab of my backup 66 let go in a match right after my main 66 got weird. I'd really like to get a reinforced version of the item. I seem to remember them at Track of the Wolf but can't find them there now. Any sources that sell the improved loading gates for 66's that you can recommend?

HELP!

Rev. Chase

[Coal Creek Griff]

One option is to buy a replacement loading gate and reenforce the tab. Having read about their tendency to break, I used JB Weld to reenforce mine when I first bought the gun. The gun isn't used heavily, but so far it's still working.

Griff

[Coffinmaker]

  Hey Reverend Chase 

First and foremost, my condolences on your loss (sniff sniff snivel).  Secondly, it's called a "Ladle" in correct parlance.  You have several choices:

Cowboys and Indian Store use to sell a reinforced ladle.  Don't know if they still do.

VTI Gunparts sells a reinforced Ladle.

And, your best bet is Shotgun Boogie.  Shotgun Boogie sells the best Ladle on the Planet, bar none.

You can also purchase a new OEM Ladle.  Clean the back next to the tab.  Then build a "dam" around the ladle with tape and make a fillet out of JB Weld.  Let it cure overnight.  Probably last forever (mine has).  Or you can make a little brass gusset and silver solder it to the back of the tab.


You Betcha Agnes, People Are REALLY Hazardous to Yer Health

[Abilene]

Shotgun Boogie does not make a ladle for the '66.  His loading gate is "66 Style" for the '73.  Which means the scoop goes all the way to the front of the loading gate like a '66 making it easier to load because it doesn't have to push in as far.  But not interchangeable with the '66. 

[Coffinmaker]

YESSIREE BOB (Bob Who ??)

I do stand corrected.  Shotgun Boogie does NOT do an 1866 Ladle.  Boogie does do a rally superb ladle for the '73 though, of which I have TWO 

[Coffinmaker]

  How Annoying 

I've been retired for a good bit now.  So I went looking for some of my favorite sources of after-market gun parts.  You know, sort of like Ladles for Uberti, and some other stuff.  Not there anymore

Should appear lots of folks have gotten out of the Cowboy Gun Parts Businesses.  I'm really not surprised.  The number of people playing the game has been on the decline for the last 10 or so years.  Only going to decline more.  Kinda Sad really.

[Reverend P. Babcock Chase]

Howdy Advisors,

Sad but true - good, improved aftermarket parts seem to be going away. My other 66 has a really good ladle, like the kind that Track of the Wolf used to sell, but now is no longer listed. So it seems fine. Incidentally, my offending 66 is marked Cabelas and seems to have no visible date code.

I have to call VTI. If they don't have a good ladle, I'll have to go the modification route.

Wish me luck
Rev. Chase

[Coffinmaker]

  Good Luck, Rev 

[Navy Six]

Track of the Wolf did have one in their catalog, but my catalog is about 8 years old.

[Reverend P. Babcock Chase]

No longer on the website. I'm going to have to reinforce a stock version (if I can get one).

Rev. Chase

[DeaconKC]

One option is to buy a replacement loading gate and reenforce the tab. Having read about their tendency to break, I used JB Weld to reinforce mine when I first bought the gun. The gun isn't used heavily, but so far it's still working.

Griff

Next time you open that beastie up, could you take a picture of the reinforcement. My 66 is on it's way back from the gunsmith and I might as well reinforce that piece before it cause any mischief.

[Professor Marvel]

The main recommendations are

-silver solder a block
-weld a block
-jbweld
-jbweld AND a block

here are some useless useful links (please forgive my spoonerisms)

https://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=59165.0

http://www.bpcr1885.net/reinforcing-the-uberti-winchester-1866-loading-gate/

[Coffinmaker]

DEACON - All 

The two thread references with Tintypes and Two Reelers (vid from OD3) are most excellent and show the best methods of re-enforcement for the '66 Ladel.

GO FOR IT

[Coal Creek Griff]

Next time you open that beastie up, could you take a picture of the reinforcement. My 66 is on it's way back from the gunsmith and I might as well reinforce that piece before it cause any mischief.

Deacon:

The links that the professor provided show better examples than mine. I used the method shown in the second (external) link. My work might not be as neat, but it wasn't hard to do and works.

Griff

[Reverend P. Babcock Chase]

Howdy Deacon,

I'm waiting on a replacement loading gate. When it arrives, I plan on fitting a reinforcement to be silver soldered behind the tab. I will try to get you a photo of the result. Who knows when the new gate will arrive. I have order confirmation but not shipping info.

Once the gate is in hand, will have to find an appropriate piece of steel to shape, clean the back of the gate and tab. Then I will have  to find a gunsmith to silver solder the new piece in place. Then we'll see how it works.

That's the long way of saying it may be awhile.

Rev. Chase

[Tascosa Joe]

I have used several Track of the Wolf ladles.  The last one I received causes the lifter to stick.  I ordered another and was told by TotW their supplier had stopped making the part.

[Abilene]

I've known of a few ladles that hit the links.  A gunsmith told them to grind a tad off the outside of the links to  make clearance.  Sounds odd, but it worked.  At least one of those had a cut/weld short stroke which probably had a little to do with it.

When Uberti first started the new ladle with the wimpy tab, it was horrible.  Later they made it a deep dish.  Still failed, but not as often.  It is a little more reliable with larger calibers because the larger rim partially rested on the flat front of the dish.  Smaller calibers puts most of the stress on the tab. I would reinforce it regardless.

My '66 was made in 2000 and has the rock solid ladle tab.  Too bad they made such a crappy replacement to save a few cents.