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I was considering placing a 1906 dated SRC up for sale. While performing a condition check, I found a crack on the right rear receiver tang, emanating from the very back of the hammer slot. Disconcerting, to say the least.
But to be thorough, I disassembled to assess the damage and found that the crack is not completely through the receiver. It appears to be only in the case hardened ‘skin’. I have pictured top, side, bottom and inside views.
While I know that this is not good. I am asking those with more familiarity with lever actions, “Just how bad is it?” Thanks for any opinions.
-Matt
Something caused the crack and eventually It will crack the rest of the way if the guns is used. The crack is going to cost you in resale value if you leave it but it will cost some to have it welded and you will lose any original finish.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
I only see two options, first is to repair it now. It will only get worse or fail completely if the rifle is going to be used. If the rifle is to be a wall hanger it doesn’t matter. The crack needs to be ground out and TIG welded by a very competent person that specializes in TIG welding. After being welded, the repaired area will need to be reshaped and the receiver refinished.
Option B Replace the receiver with one from a parts gun (probably cheaper and will likely have a better match to the rest of the rifle.) This will give you a usable rifle.
Best,
Erin
Matt, A crack in that area is usually caused by damage to the butt stock, dropping, or using the gun as a bat. Then in a attempt to straighten, it cracks. I have seen a lot of lever Winchester’s repaired by welding in this area. If the butt stock is not original to the gun or shows signs of repair, welding the crack my not add value to the gun. If you decide to have it fixed you need to go to someone that’s done this before and can color the repaired area to match. Selling it as is without disclosing the defect will make a enemy, selling it after repairing without disclosing the repair will also make a enemy but might make the gun easier to sell. One thing for sure, the next time you buy a gun you will look for a crack in that area before you count the money. I have made the same kind of mistakes but it doesn’t stop me from buying. Thanks for sharing the pictures, it might help a the Forum reader in the future. T/R
Thanks for the feedback, folks. I appreciate the option scenarios.
As it is more likely than not to continue cracking, it seems to be a fatal flaw, as is.
It came to me in a multi-gun purchase from which I have already made a profit in sales, so not much invested. I am leaning on selling, with full disclosure of course, and allow the new owner to decide the fate. It would make a nice wall hanger. Buttstock and pistol grip tang/lever are not original to the gun anyway. Shame, because it is an attractive SRC – just useless!
martin08 said
Thanks for the feedback, folks. I appreciate the option scenarios.As it is more likely than not to continue cracking, it seems to be a fatal flaw, as is.
It came to me in a multi-gun purchase from which I have already made a profit in sales, so not much invested. I am leaning on selling, with full disclosure of course, and allow the new owner to decide the fate. It would make a nice wall hanger. Buttstock and pistol grip tang/lever are not original to the gun anyway. Shame, because it is an attractive SRC – just useless!
Is this the lower tang? If so maybe it cracked when they tried to bend it to fit a pistol grip stock?
The crack is in the upper tang, at the right rear corner of the hammer slot.
martin08 said
The crack is in the upper tang, at the right rear corner of the hammer slot.
martin08 said
The crack is in the upper tang, at the right rear corner of the hammer slot.
Was just a guess after you said the pistol grip stock was not original.
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