Winchester 1873 Dust Cover Issue

elvi 1

February 13, 2013 16:25

I recently acquired an 1873, 38 wcf rifle, approx circa 1889. As I am more familiar with 1894/92, question I have is, is the dust cover suppose to slide when cycling the lever, or does one have to manually slide before racking a shell. I was under the assumption that racking the action opened the dust cover, and then needed to manually closed. This rifle however does not do that, so before I dig further, I thought I would ask here. Cover is not overly loose when opened or closed, but can be a little hard to "unlatch" when fully closed. As there are some homemade knurls on the dust cover (i.e. hacksaw slashes), I assume this was a problem with the previous owner (owners). Other than that, rifle action seems to function properly, though i have not done anything more than look it over so far.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

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  Bert H.

  February 13, 2013 17:37

  The mortise cover should open when you open the lever. It will not slide shut until you manually close it.

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  elvi 1

  February 14, 2013 15:32

  That is what I thought. What is usually the culprit if it doesn't? I was going to study the schematics and tear into it this weekend, but haven't gotten that far.
  
  Thanks,

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  TRAP55

  February 14, 2013 19:05

  http://stevespages.com/ipb-winchester-1873.html
  Part #22 catches part #9 to slide it back.

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  elvi 1

  February 15, 2013 03:34

  Ah ha, that helps a lot. On this particular rifle, their is no dog on top of the extractor to catch the mortis cover stop. Doesn't appear like there ever was one, would it be possible that this has an extractor out of something earlier? Thanks for the help.

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  TRAP55

  February 15, 2013 10:21

  After 100yrs, anything is possible![:)]
  Before you try to knock the extractor pin out, soak it good with Kroil, drive it left to right.
  http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Products/1166540.htm

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  yonson

  February 17, 2013 10:32

  On my 1873, the dog on top of the extractor sticks up almost 1/8", perhaps it was removed on yours for some reason? Looks like a fairly simple replacement.

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  elvi 1

  February 23, 2013 06:30

  Any body know where to find one, prefer used to match patina. Numerich has a new replacement, fitting required I see.
  
  Thanks for everyones help.

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  TRAP55

  February 23, 2013 07:30

  Doesn't take much to fit, leave it in a glass of coke overnight, rinse dry and oil in the morning and the patina will match.

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