Log In
April 24, 2018
Offline
I just received my Great Grandfathers 1873 38-40 rifle. It has virtually no original finish, but the corners are sharp and the stock is really nice. The only problem is the barrel is loose. I took off the forearm and magazine tube and the barrel was not even tight. If I hand tighten it, the top flat with he address is about a 1/16th to an 1/8th of an inch past center. Can anyone suggest an accepted repair or some expert? I am not looking to shoot it, just want it tight so when I show it to my grand kids they won’t feel it sort of ‘wobble’. Thanks in advance for your time and any info you can offer.
May 2, 2009
Offline
The reason the barrel is loose is the barrel has been changed. If your not going to shoot it you can always put a shim in there to make it come tight but a good gunsmith can fix the treads if they know how to move threads.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
December 1, 2012
Offline
The shim is going to be the most economical way to go, for your intended purpose, though the gap you mention will require more of a washer than a shim. Last year I was able to tighten up into shooting condition a round barrel whose sights canted slightly left on a Model 1885. I was able to make a shim out of thin brass stock but my gap was more like .007″. Also, since I intended to shoot it, I added a drop or 2 of blue threadlock for the final barrel insertion.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
