Magazine lever

[Jayhawker]

Recently, a friend brought over some rifles for me to look at and evaluate for him. I don't know much about Winchesters but I do know a nice rifle when I see one. One in particular had me puzzled. It was an 1873 chambered for the 38 WCF but it had a 2" lever under the full length mag tube at the muzzle end. I couldn't see any reason for it as the tube was still attached via a stud to the barrel. It did seem to key into a slot milled into the underside of the barrel. Any idea as to what it's for?

I was so fascinated with the collection that I forgot to take pics.

[Lastmohecken]

It was probably a take down model.

[Malamute]

Yes, it sounds like a takedown. Here's a vid that shows how to operate the takedown. Be sure you open the action before taking the barrel off!!! You can break the extractor if you don't!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENKfZGPhk9c

If your magazine is full length, then the takedown lever wont open out as far as the one in the vid, they have to open out straight with a half length magazine to operate.

[Jayhawker]

Thanks for the replies and the video link. I wonder if I could talk my friend out of it now.