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I recently acquired an 1866 second model receiver, serial number 26XXX.
It is rustic / used but I believe it is serviceable.
I would like to put together a 44 WCF Carbine “shooter”.
I don’t think it is nice enough to build as a collector unless it is to be a rustic wall hanger.
I am faced with finding parts to complete the gun.
Any recommended sources for parts besides Ebay?
I would like opinions on whether you recommend I buy a newly manufactured barrel chambered for a center fire cartridge?
And how do I find a center fire bolt & firing pen for an original 1866 receiver?
I would appreciate any advice and suggestion you may have?
Thanks
Dan
Broken Arrow, Ok
May 2, 2009
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Your going to be looking a long time to find 66 parts that are any good. Junk goes for big bucks. I saw the resident Ebay parts guy sell a 66 center fire bolt earlier for $300 but 66’s don’t get parted out to often. You might have to look at Uberti parts but I don’t know how compatible they are.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Thank you Bob
I have a 66 Uberti.
The parts and pieces of the Uberti guns do not fit original Winchester Rifles.
The parts are unique to Uberti and the screws are all a different size and pitch.
However, I have used some Chaparral Winchester parts, which are hard to find, for various Winchester Models, and they seem to be dimensionally correct.
Again, thanks for your input
I am seriously thinking of having a machine shop construct a bolt and firing pin for a 44-40 centerfire.
The rest I think I can find.
Like I said, just building a cool shooter.
Be weary of Dr Winchester on Ebay.
He sells a lot of aftermarket parts on Ebay that advertises as vintage original Winchester parts.
I learned that the hard way.
Best Wishes
Dan
Broken Arrow, Ok
March 31, 2009
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I know that I have a picture for a center fire 66 bolt and firing pin but I just can remember where it is??? I will keep it in mind and if I find it I will post it.
May 23, 2009
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Dan,
I believe you are correct in most regards. But will add that I do believe that some of the earlier production Uberti parts may work (Pre-1980s).
But I’ve never had to try and get parts for a 66 neither.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
November 2, 2009
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You would be well advised to do a little research, before you spend money on a bunch of parts. You can’t convert an 1866 .44 RF to shoot .44 WCF (.44-40). These two cartridges are different lengths and the action on the ’66 is too short and will not work with .44-40 ammunition, unless you plan to mill out the reciever. VERY BAD IDEA!
May 23, 2009
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Yeah. I think there was a guy out there that made his shoot 44 S&W Russian, but the 44wcf is to long for certain.
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
June 4, 2017
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Dan, I have owned several 66’s that were converted in the day to center fire, they of course used brass cartridges that had the same dimensions of the 44 Henry so they will feed. I know it wasn’t 44 WCF because of size. In all the examples I observed they simply added a firing pin to the center of the threaded end of the original firing pin and filed the the two tits off the striker that used to hit the rim of the cartridge. In modern times collectors have converted these non original center fire guns back to rim by filing off the homemade firing pin and welding the two prongs on the striker. You can buy from Winchester Bob.com firing pins and strikers for 66’s. Winchester did make some late 66’s that came for the factory center fire, I have never looked at any of these to see how they did it but it would have to be a similar modification. T/R
November 2, 2009
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I have a carbine shipped in 1888. Letter does not say it was made as a center fire, but it has the same set-up as per TR’s description. The Madis book 1 of 1000 edition, shows a close-up of these conversion firing pins on page 100. My carbine is identical to the breech bolt in the center of that photo.
