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March 11, 2025
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Hello, I recently purchased a model 94 from 1949. I found an issue while inspecting it over. The Spring cover (loading gate) will not open as its gettting caught up on the carrier. I found if i lower the lever a little bit (right before the point of when it starts moving the bolt) that i am able to push open the spring cover, with the lever up i find that i can push open the spring cover a very little, enough to get a small tool in to push down on the carrier and then the spring cover can be fully pushed in, but once your release the spring cover and it closes than again it cant be opened as it hits the carrier again. Anyone know what the problem and fix could be for this? Thanks.
September 28, 2016
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Yep, I’ve repaired lots with the same issue. You need to replace the carrier spring.
Send me a PM if you need one, I believe I have 2-3 of them.
Erin
March 11, 2025
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Erin Grivicich said
Yep, I’ve repaired lots with the same issue. You need to replace the carrier spring.Send me a PM if you need one, I believe I have 2-3 of them.
Erin
thank you for the reply, I will try that as you sound like you know your stuff, I appreciate it a ton and i sent you a PM. Thanks again!
September 28, 2016
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Replied to your PM
Erin
June 15, 2024
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I’m having a similar problem on two of my 1894’s. One is a .38-55 rifle from 1895 and the other is a 30 WCF carbine from 1916. Both behave the same way…
With an empty mag tube and the action fully closed the nose of the carrier rises slightly which prevents the loading gate from opening. If I slightly open the action, the carrier nose drops, and the loading gate can open allowing a round to feed. At this point I can fully close the action and the loading gate opens fine allowing the remaining rounds to be loaded into the magazine.
On the 1916, I have swapped the carrier spring and carrier from another 1894 I have that doesn’t behave this way and nothing changes. I’m starting to think it’s just how the geometry of these two receivers function.
It’s not a huge deal to pop the action to load the first round. I’m more curious as to why having one round in the magazine suddenly keeps the carrier nose low enough to allow the loading gate to clear.
January 20, 2023
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That behavior is not normal for any of the Winchester lever actions with the “King’s Improvement” side loading feature — the 1866, 1873, 1876, 1886, 1892, or 1894 models. All of them, if functioning properly, may be loaded entirely through the side loading gate.
Although they were designed more than a Century ago, the lockwork in these Winchesters is quite complex compared to the 1898 Mauser action. While robust, the movement of the parts must occur timely and in a precise sequence. Any bit of corrosion, wear or debris that slows or prevents a single part from completing its function timely, can render the action inop.
I wouldn’t presume to opine on your rifle’s malady except to say what i would do if the gun were mine:
1. With a bright light try to examine the lockwork ( as much of it as you can see without stripping the rifle apart) closely to see if there’s anything there that shouldn’t be. Unless you are skilled and have the necessary gunsmithing screwdrivers and experience in stripping lever actions, do not touch a single screw head with a screwdriver. A jeweler’s magnifying headset is helpful.
2. Spray the lockwork with something like Ballistol that won’t damage wood and use Qtips to remove any accumulated gunk that may be retarding swift and sure parts movement, paying particular attention to any part that appears to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
3. Do not attempt to correct a problem by altering or bending anything. Just try to get the lockwork clean and lightly lubricated.
4. Try the action with dummy cartridges. You can buy weighted dummies from Brownell’s or make them up if you handload. For the sake of your self-respect and the integrity of your walls and ceiling, never use live rounds. Empty brass won’t work; it will hang up.
5. If the problem persists, find a good gunsmith who understands lever action rifles and let him diagnose and repair it. Have him clean and lubricate the action while he’s at it.
6. If you discover the problem and obtain a replacement part, do not attempt to repair the gun unless you have the tools and expert experience. These guns are subtle and complex and you can easily turn one into a tub toy. Pay the good gunsmith and be happy. Maybe you have rebuilt auto transmissions or built colonial furniture from scratch. Macht Nichts. It would be rude to ask me how I know.
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
November 8, 2011
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From the description of the problem, it sounds like the carrier spring. It’s not the easiest repair but, if you’re familiar with working on these guns, isn’t bad.
There are a lot of gunsmith around that don’t charge a lot for making this repair.
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