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I have an issue with my 1873 that I need some help with. About every 4th or 5th time I cycle the action with a full magazine tube (32-20), the cartridge will enter the carrier but jams the carrier to where it will not raise. I have to use a thin screwdriver to relieve the pressure of the cartridge waiting in the magazine tube in order to cycle the lever to move the carrier up to the bore. I did notice that if I only load 5 or 6 rounds in the mag tube that the action will not hang. It doesnt seem like there is excessive pressure by the magazine tube spring. It sticks out about 6″ beyond the end of the mag tube with the end cap removed. My theory is that the carrier is dropping too low in the reciever. In the picture below, you can see that the carrier sits about 1/16″ below the bottom of the carrier. Would this cause the action to hang like it is doing? Thanks, Cliff
There is this guy, more of a legend really, that is the ultimate guru of the Model 1873. He is well known by his superhero name of “1873man”. I am sure he will be along shortly to help you out. You may have to wait a bit while he changes in a phone booth but it will be worth the wait. 
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
Cliff,
The drooping carrier might be causing that from wear of the carrier or a bent carrier lever but I’m guessing its the length of the shells are too short causing the next one to partially enter the carrier. Are you shooting reloads? If the bullets are not crimped good the bullets can be pushed deeper in the case when loaded in the magazine along with some recoil from shooting. When you have this problem, remove the shells and measure their over all length and see if they are the proper length. If the bullets are the correct OAL then look at the carrier.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
1873man said
Cliff,The drooping carrier might be causing that from wear of the carrier or a bent carrier lever but I’m guessing its the length of the shells are too short causing the next one to partially enter the carrier. Are you shooting reloads? If the bullets are not crimped good the bullets can be pushed deeper in the case when loaded in the magazine along with some recoil from shooting. When you have this problem, remove the shells and measure their over all length and see if they are the proper length. If the bullets are the correct OAL then look at the carrier.
Bob
hey Bob. I think you are right. The next shell is slightly entering the carrier block. I was shooting factory Black Hills ammo. I’ll see if I can find the specs for the length of a 32-20 cartridge and measure the ones I have left in the box. Thanks!
JWA said
There is this guy, more of a legend really, that is the ultimate guru of the Model 1873. He is well known by his superhero name of “1873man”. I am sure he will be along shortly to help you out. You may have to wait a bit while he changes in a phone booth but it will be worth the wait.Regards,
Have ever tried to find a phone booth this day and age. Everybody has cell phones and public phone are all but gone, What am I to do!
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
So, a quick internet search shows that the 32-20 should have an overall length of 1.592″. The Black Hills I was shooting measures 1.538″. I have some Ultramax that measures 1.550″. HSM measures about 1.555″. I have called Black Hills to get thier thoughts and am awaiting a reply. I wonder who makes a longer 32-20?
Black Hills called me back and thye said they normally load thier 32-20 to 1.560 but that they had a ran some too short awhile back. I have 8 boxes of the shorter ammo and they offered to replace it for me. Cant beat customer service like that! I feel sure that the extra length will cure the feeding issue. Thank you 1873man for bringing that to my attention!
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