Win. mod. 71 question

idaho cowboy

October 08, 2011 05:24

I have a mod 71 that when it is fired it wants to drop the lever slightly.I have checked to be sure that the lever is going completely closed and it is. With a shell chambered and the action closed there is about 1/16" clearence between the lever and the lower tang. I also can take a fired case and stick it back in the chamber and seat it completely down against the back of the chamber with my thumb, so it does not appear that there are any problems with the chamber. This rife is a long tang and is in nearly new condition. Never was used much at all. Has anybody got any idea why this is happening. Thanks

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  WinMike

  October 08, 2011 09:48

  Is the lever loose prior to firing? If so, you may wish to have a gunsmith check it out, particularly if the lever is loose when a cartridge is loaded and the hammer is cocked or on half-cock.
  
  Some slack after firing is normal for most Winchester lever actions with twin locking bolts, but if the lever drops excessively, the rifle may have a weak or even broken finger lever spring.
  
  Find some schematics on-line (here's one for the Win 1886 which is identical in design to the '71) http://www.okiegunsmithshop.com/win86.jpg)and see if your capabilities are such to replace said spring.
  
  I don't believe the 1/16" clearance is excessive.

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