Fall 2012 Page 37 Trigger Pin: This is the same for both, other than the external to internal production change mentioned previously. Lower Tang: The set trigger lower tang is modified with an asymmetric trigger opening to accommodate the right rear projection of the trigger that holds the adjustment screw. There is an added threaded hole on the bottom of the tang for the attachment of the spring screw as well as side holes for the two additional pins holding the additional parts. The following parts comprise the remaining set trigger components not found in the standard trigger assembly: Adjusting Screw: This screw, less than a third of an inch long with a tall, slotted head and about 85 threads per inch, is used to position the sear kickoff relative to the trigger. By this action, the amount of overlap of the sear kickoff catch can be varied, thereby adjusting the trigger travel needed to fire the gun. Turning the screw in moves the sear kickoff up, reducing the contact with the catch, resulting in the gun firing with less trigger movement. All adjusting screws are slotted, though many show damage or loss of one side of the head at the slot or they are completely broken off or frozen in the hole. Several very early guns, up to the 300 serial number range, with a set trigger have been seen with an adjusting screw that has a small transverse hole below the slot and at right angles to it. A small tool was noted to accompany a cased Winchester ’73 with a set trigger at the Cody Firearms Museum. It was described as having one end flattened with a small pin at the other that fit this hole in the adjustment screw.ix It was likely intended as an alternate method of turning the screw during early production. Sear Over-Ride: Early in production, this over-ride was one piece, consisting of the flat “fly” with an integral pin machined at right angles to attached it to the hammer, fitting into a pivot hole in the left side of the hammer. This early type is known as the “outside sear over-ride”. Later in production, the sear over-ride was a separate flat piece that fit into a slot near the center of the hammer base and held with a separate pin, the “center sear over-ride”. This was likely an easier production method than the earlier one-piece. Both performed the function of keeping the sear from catching in the half-cock notch of the hammer as it rotated forward to strike the bolt. Sear Kickoff: After the trigger, this piece is the next largest piece and there are two variations. They are the same size and shape, however, those used with the center sear over-ride hammer have a machined away semicircular area on the front, left side, to allow movement of the center sear over-ride. Sear Kickoff Catch: This delicate piece catches the notch in the kickoff when the trigger is moved forward to “set” the trigger. The amount of catch overlap is determined by the adjustment screw. Sear Kickoff Catch Pin: The pin has two diameters: the right portion, that fits the hole in the kickoff catch, is a smaller diameter than the left side. The shoulder on the pin keeps the catch upright and stable to the right side of the tang, though able to pivot. The corresponding lower tang holes are likewise different sized, allowing this pin to only be moved into position from left to right, which is the opposite of most Winchester rifle pins that are removed left to right and reassembled right to left. Three Springs: These springs control the action of the following parts and are stacked, bottom to top, as follows: 1. Sear Spring: The middle size spring is the bottom spring in the stack. With its forward extension to the left, it positions the sear toward the rear of the gun so that it may engage the hammer’s full cock notch. This spring is analogous to the trigger spring in the non-set trigger gun, with extensive modification. 2. Sear Kickoff Spring: This is the largest and heaviest of these three springs. From its middle position in the stack, it forces the kickoff forward to release the sear. The thickened, round leading edge is positioned with the round edge up, held there by the kickoff spring rest pin. 3. Sear Kickoff Catch Spring: The smallest of the three, it is on the top of the stack of springs, with its right sided upward curve, it keeps forward pressure on the sear kickoff catch, causing it to engage the sear kickoff when the trigger is moved forward, setting the trigger. Spring Screw: The three springs, one atop the other, are held in place to the tang by this screw that passes through holes in the back of each spring into the threaded tang hole. Sear Kickoff Spring Rest Pin: This pin holds the forward end of the kickoff spring down, assuring contact with the sear kickoff. The pin has a flat side that rests on the surface of the spring. While the set trigger option, introduced in 1873, seems to have had fewer orders over time, perhaps due to its somewhat delicate nature, it continued to be a part of many special order, fancy guns. It is not only found on 1873 models, but on some 1876s as well. In addition, it has been reported to be found on some model 1886 rifles and on rare occasions in an 1892 or 1894.x While it had its weakness and vulnerabilities, it also seems to have functioned properly much of the time. One can’t help but marvel at the ingenuity and craftsmanship of those early Winchester workers. Set triggers are still very desirable to Winchester collectors and understanding their strengths and weakness is important. It is likewise helpful to understand their operation as well as the proper disassembly and reassembly techniques to keep them in good working order. Books such as George Stone’s and internet web sites, such as Jim Grueter’s are excellent references for additional information on the Winchester model 1873 set trigger.
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