Question on an Original 73

[Old Top]

Evening All,

I have an original Winchester 73 in 44-40 that I have been shooting in CAS for the last year, as it was getting a bit sluggish I took it down and cleaned all of the parts.  While cleaning it up I noticed that the fireing pin was beginning to peen where the hammer strikes it and instead of slideing out I had to use pliers to remove it from the bolt it was looking a bit beat at some of the machineing also.  Cleaned all of the accumulation of crud out of the bolt and the entire action one thing I did not see was a fireing pin spring, which could account for some of the battering I am seeing.  I have not found a breakdown on the orignal 73 anywhere (if someone has one or a location on the internet, please let me know) so I do not know if these had a fireing pin spring to begin with.  After cleaning the fireing pin move more freely but does stick in the forward position which may make life exciting in fire it, when levered back it does go back into the bolt but can be pushed forward.  Any suggestions, thoughts, rants, screams or ideas will be greatly appriciated.

Thanks
Old Top

[Happy Trails]

There is no spring in an original 73.  The pin is "cammed" back by a small "lever" that pivots on the pin in the bolt.  This is the same pin that the link connects to.  The front left link should have a small pin protruding from it's inside surface.  That pin is what cams the small "lever" which in turn cams the firing pin back.  The lever fits into a triangular cut in the firing pin.
Your firing pin should not bind in the forward position.  It should free fall out when the "lever" is not in place.  Mark ou the area where the pin reduces down to a point with a Magic Marker and try to find the bind.  Clear it away.
Hope this helps

[Old Top]

Happy Trails,

It gets me started in the right direction, and the pin does retract when levering the action and the small lever is there but a bit battered.

Old Top

[Whiskey Hayes]

Old Top

Leverguns.com has a breakdown of the original '73.

Whiskey

[Old Top]

Whiskey,

Thank you I will check that out.

Old Top