Learning curve - 1886 TD owners discussion

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:31 pm

Ok, so now I've got this 86 TD.

How "robust" is the TD part? Do they ever need tightening/refitting?

What little or not so little details do I need to know to make sure I don't mess up this gun - the manual is mighty slim in the TD department...

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:37 pm

From what I've read, they are as strong as the regular and do not shoot loose in one man's lifetime.

Leverluver · Post by **Leverluver** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:41 pm

If it were mine, I'd use the takedown sparingly. In other words, don't consider it like the zipper on your jacket. Use it when there is a need but don't when there isn't. I'd still clean it as I do any other levergun by setting it upside down in a cleaning fixture, so junk doesn't get pushed into the action. The mating surfaces should have screws that take up any slack that develops. The more slack you have, the quicker you will get more slack. Don't let a high degree of slack develop as that will batter the mating surface and degrade the quality of lockup of the feature. I'd guess that far more of them were damaged but over using the takedown feature and letting slack develop, than they ever were by shooting thousands of rounds through them.

1886 · Post by **1886** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:47 pm

I have two and really see no compelling reason to "take them down." It is nice to have the ability but routine shooting and cleaning does not merit utilizing the take down feature. 1886.

KirkD · Post by **KirkD** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 9:49 pm

I have an original '86 takedown that is 107 years old and it is still perfectly tight. I don't take it down unless I have a good reason to. There is an adjustment inside, if you ever need it, which you shouldn't in your life time.

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 12:54 pm

Use it but don't abuse it. I have takedown Winchesters that I have had for 30+ years and while I take 'em down. I don't make a regular habit of it. If I shoot it, I take 'em down. I have had to adjust them but then again I have had no idea how many times they were taken down in the past. The adjustment screw is only turned a fraction of a hair. Remember, dirt is what causes wear, so keep 'em clean!!!!!----Sixgun

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 9:29 pm

Thanks Guys.

My "need" for a TD is based on my "need" for a gun that I can carry on a plane to a Hunt that doesn't scream "BIG EFFING GUN" in its case.

(Rule #1, Concealed means Concealed...)

I guess I'll keep it put together except when I travel or when I do a full teardown cleaning (more than an Otis/Bore Snake can handle...)

Anything else I should be aware of when it comes to reloads or other stuff?

71fan · Post by **71fan** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 9:47 pm

I take my 1895 and two 94s apart every time I shoot/clean them. It makes cleaning so much easier. I also travel to/from the range with them taken down. When/if they get loose I'll adjust them.

I figure if I have a takedown I may as well take full advantage of it.

Fungus Sam · Post by **Fungus Sam** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 12:08 am

I agree with Leverluver's comment about the zipper. Use the TD sparingly and it should last forever. Your idea of concealment while flying is a good idea, and unless you fly somewhere weekly to hunt you'll never wear it out. I have an original 86 TD manufactured in 1920 that is still completely tight and solid. Good hunting, Tom

crs · Post by **crs** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 10:32 am

+1 for what 71 fan said.
At my age, "I should live so long" as to loosen my new 1886 and 1895 takedowns!