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April 19, 2017
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I recently purchased a Winchester 1873 3rd variation 32-20, date of manufacture 1903. A project gun that needs some work and appears to have had a few mechanics over the years.
During disassembly I found that the main spring did not appear to be the correct part compared to my 1873 parts breakdown schematic and Homestead Firearms take down manual. In order to correct I ordered a new main spring with screw however the screw is not beveled as to what came with the firearm. The lower tang screw seat is beveled to match a beveled screw head for the mainspring. I ordered from 2 separate suppliers on EBay as the recommended replacement however they do not appear to be correct. The main springs themselves appear to be correct, it is the screw that is in question. I even tried using the beveled screw head that came with the gun with one of the mainspring replacements however they both are a different size and threading.
Not sure on how to get the firearm back to what is correct and period specific. Please refer to the pictures.
Thanks,
Phil
May 2, 2009
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Looking at the screw that was in it, it has a bigger head so the hole was drilled out to accept it. Now the correct screw will not look right in its place. here is a picture of the correct screw. The one you have on the right side looks to be close.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
April 19, 2017
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Bob,
You were absolute right. I had to take a kinked magazine barrel over to one of the best gunsmith’s in town and he said that yes unfortunately that is what someone has done.
There are crazy gunsmith butchers out there. It is a shame that one would take such an historical antique and drill a permanent hole into the lower tang versus just finding the correct mainspring screw to begin with.
Thanks for help,
Phil
