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I have an 1890 vintage Model 1873 that is hard to cock. Solving the problem, as I understand it, requires adjustment of the screw to reduce tension, or replacement of the part/s. What is the best set of available gunsmith screwdrivers to use ? The adjustment screw is in very tight. Stubborn tight. I don’t want to bugger anything, so I seek counsel on the best way to proceed. Thanks.
May 2, 2009
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The first thing to do is remove the stock and see what spring is installed and if the tension screw is turned in. Normally the spring is installed with the retaining screw (back screw) and than the tension screw is used to increase tension if needed. If need the retaining screw could be loosened. On guns you use hollow ground screw driver blades so the blade does not try to cam out of the slot. One brand I have is the Wheeler set.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
March 31, 2009
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I have several sets but the one from Brownells is my main one. One small set I carry in my gun box. Beware of the ones that have a set screw or a bulge near the end of the handle where the attachments go in. This gets in the way. Since I collect pistols too I have what is called a thin set. These are the smaller ones that don’t come in the larger sets.
https://www.brownells.com/tools-cleaning/general-gunsmith-tools/screwdrivers-sets/
Make sure you soak the screw for a few days if necessary before you try to force the screw.
June 4, 2017
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Great link Chuck, they have a lot of choices.
I bought the Original 89 piece Wheeler Engineering Professional Gunsmith set, $75.99. The set has two handles and many duplicate tips. I took out one handle and a few duplicate tips to carry with me to shows, the rest are on my bench. The duplicates are necessary when using hollow ground bits, they brake from the torque, necessary evil. T/R
Great advice all, thanks ! I will use some Kroil to loosen the adjustment screw. No reason for haste.
May 2, 2009
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Do not use a oil with the stock on. The stock will soak up the oil. The lower stock screw is just into wood and the upper screws into the lower tang. I have never had problems removing stock screws. The only issue is if its a tight fitting piece of wood is getting it to slide off.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
March 31, 2009
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TR said
Great link Chuck, they have a lot of choices.I bought the Original 89 piece Wheeler Engineering Professional Gunsmith set, $75.99. The set has two handles and many duplicate tips. I took out one handle and a few duplicate tips to carry with me to shows, the rest are on my bench. The duplicates are necessary when using hollow ground bits, they brake from the torque, necessary evil. T/R
I take extras and make them into custom pieces. Never broke one. You know you’re supposed to use inch pounds not foot pounds.
I made a couple custom boxes so they will hold all of the tips I have. Just over 100 slots plus room for both handles. Used cut off pieces left over from Roger’s restorations. Use straight grain but I could have used XXX.
March 20, 2010
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Also of import is cleaning all the dirt and grime out of the screw slots before trying to remove the screw. You see lots of screws that were stripped in the past or damaged because the screwdriver bit didnt fully engage the screw slot.
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
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