Lever latches on Win 1860, 66, & 73 question

[J Miller]

Was looking at Ubertis lever guns. I noticed that all the 73s, all the 66s, and some of the Henrys had the lever latches.
I know what they are for, but the question I have is this, how many have actual Winchesters and replicas that have worn enough to need to use the latch to keep the lever closed?

Joe

[Lefty Dude]

Unless you have replaced the leaf springs in a 73 with wire springs, and lightened the action the lever usually stays in place. Many of us who shoot CAS remove the lever catch as it is a neusance. I have replaced the leafs in my 73, my lever will just barely stay in the closed position. There is a detent slot on the lever that the spring fall in when the lever is in the up position. If the lever has a worn cam and detent, the lever will become lazy want to drop. This can also be caused by a worn leaf spring. If one is good with a file the cam & detent can be dressed to resolve the lazy lever.

[adirondakjack]

My thinking is, unless yer on horseback, yer not gonna jostle it enough to worry about the latch.

[2ndovc]

After giving my Grandfather's '73 (1893) a realy good cleaning the lever would no longer stay up. I had attempted some black powder loads and wanted to be sure that there was no residue in the action.

Probably hadn't been taken apart in decades. At first I thought I'd screwed something up but after taking it apart again figured it was just 115 years of wear and tear.

jb

[KirkD]

I had an original '73, made in 1888, that had seen a lot of use as a farm gun. It had a worn cam that permitted the lever to hang down quite a bit, so the lever catch was a handy thing to have. Mike Hunter was able to repair the worn cam and then it sat up nice and snug to the grip.

[J Miller]

Just so we are all on the right page, does anybody have a picture of this cam that gets worn? I'm curious as can be. I've got the feeling I need a new lever gun. And I'm thinking of an 1860 Henry copy. I think those are neat.

Joe

[Grizzly Adams]

Hi, Joe.

Actually, this "cam" issue is way overblown. In all the years I have been shooting the 1873 Uberti, I have only had one rifle that developed this "problem" - and that one was an early production. Actually, I never saw it as a problem, as the lever never dropped, and the action just got better! In any case, the cam is replaceable, if it really should become an issue. I'll try to post a pic of the ubiquitous cam.

These rifles, like all production rifles, have springs that are overkill for the task at hand. I lighten up all of the spring in my rifles, not only for function, but to decrease wear and tear on other parts. This link will give you some idea of what I am talking about in terms of tuning these toggle link actions. This one deals with the 1876, but the current version of the 1873 is the same.

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index. ... 987.0.html

Most of the pics and info are on pages 1 and 2. FWIW, note that the machining on the Uberti is at Least as good as the original shown.

Go for that Henry, you will not be disappointed! Those rifles are a real challenge to make, and Uberti has to take extra care in the production, as material loss is high if they screw up! The barrel assembly with it's magazine is MACHINED from one piece, with the magazine being rolled on a mandrill. The pivoting end, just adds to the fun! This is an expensive, and complex rifle to manufacture. Obviously, material loss is unacceptable, so they really do a nice job on the Henry 1860. Never seen one that didn't shoot like it had radar. The version with the fire blue, or charcoal blue finish on the barrel is a heart stopper.

[J Miller]

Grizzly,

Thanks a bunch for that link to CAS City. I read the entire thread and ogled the pics.

That action is so simple it makes the Win 94s look complicated. I want one. HAH!
Tuna fish budget with caviar tastes......

Anyway, could you post some better pics of how you lighten those springs? From the pics on the other thread I couldn't tell real good.

Also besides those two springs, how many other springs are in the Win 1876 action?

Joe