Thought I’d drop a few pictures and solicit comments. I’m a novice Winchester owner and starting to gain more interest in the antiques/ C&Rs so I’m learning ‘correctness’ as I go. My intro as posted in the General Discussions and Questions thread. A PO was a bit aggressive with cleaning but other than that, I’m happy with the shooter-grade rifle. I about have the wood checking taken care of. I use Kramers… Regards, Ron
Below is an 1892 4 digit SN# in 44.40
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
WACA #10293
rwsem said
Thought I’d drop a few pictures and solicit comments. I’m a novice Winchester owner and starting to gain more interest in the antiques/ C&Rs so I’m learning ‘correctness’ as I go. My intro as posted in the General Discussions and Questions thread. A PO was a bit aggressive with cleaning but other than that, I’m happy with the shooter-grade rifle. I about have the wood checking taken care of. I use Kramers… Regards, RonBelow is an 1892 4 digit SN# in 44.40
How’s the bore? The 44 WCF is a very accurate cartridge, but at $50 a box, unless you are rich, you need to reload. You have a low number, but I have seen #1. Not going to get any lower than that. Enjoy your new treasure. Big Larry
The bore is dark along the grooves with strong rifling. The lands have some pitting but I think it’ll be just fine. I have a batch of brass ready to reload but haven’t slugged the bore yet. I’ll cast my bullets about .002 over groove diameter.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
WACA #10293
Revisited this rifle over the past few weeks. I decided to do a detailed dis-assembly and sonic cleaning. I tell ya, there was enough dirt, grass, etc.. in the receiver to make a small adobe hut.
I couldn’t get the firing pin out easily but when I did I thought; how strange? A two piece firing pin….. Homestead had the black powder dimensioned firing pin which is what the original was, so I got lucky. Â
Got everything buttoned back up, functioning well and decided to warm the iron with some Magtech .44-40 since I don’t have any .44 cast on hand (don’t chastise me). The barrel slugged at .433″ so I fully expected to have some leading problems…. 50 yards 5 for 5 on 8″ plate but only 2/5 at 100 yards. I’ll have to put it to paper to see what’s going on (BTW, SSP reverse bi-focal safety glasses are great!). To my surprise, no leading- the boolit must have been soft enough to obturate and not allow gas cutting.
Anyway, the .38-55 is next.
Ron
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
WACA #10293
November 7, 2015
Must be a variation somewhat common in that period, my 1895 vintage 1894 had one of those “rare” two piece firing pins as well. Homestead was able to help me out as well. 😉
I’m glad it shot well for you, Ron. Maybe you should pour a few for the 92 before you move on to the 38-55.
Â
Mike
November 7, 2015
win38-55 said
I’ve had a couple 44 WCF early Winchesters that slugged with a .433 groove diameter. I used soft cast (pure wheel weights, air-cooled) bullets in them, sized to .431 (which is the largest bullet that would chamber easily) and was able to get 5-shot, 2″ groups at 100 yards. Â
Wow, John Kort would be very proud of you. Those old guns will sometimes surprise you if you just give them what they want. I’m generally happy with 2″ @ 50 yards but I know my limitations. Good shooting!
Â
Mike
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