Corey Freeman said
I have an old 1897, circa 1899, and the slide handle has forward and back play. It's probably more than an inch.
Is there something I should check to correct this?
  

"More than an inch" is excessive.  All of my Pre-C, C, and D series gun have about 1/2-inch for rearward play before they engage and begin to open the action when the firing pin is depressed (fired position).  With the hammer in the safety notch, or fully cocked, the slide handle is locked in position.

Bert

Anthony said
Bert,
That's a nice example. Can't wait till you post some "chucks" next to it!
Looks like you're getting her dialed in!
 
Tony
  

No "chucks" in my part of the country... but I do have Whistle Pigs.  

Bert

TXGunNut said
I’m unfamiliar with the library, how does one access it?-MidwestCrisis
 
The McCracken Research Library is located below the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, WY. Of interest to the Winchester collector it contains Winchester company archives and drawings. Some materials are available online. 
 
Mike
 
McCracken Research Library - Buffalo Bill Center of the West
  

Thanks Mike, I just ordered a new buffer from eBay.  The original was absent.  I think you can see remnants of it in my previous picture.  Hopefully it arrives soon and I can give a report before the weekend.  

The McCracken Research Library is located below the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, WY. Of interest to the Winchester collector it contains Winchester company archives and drawings. Some materials are available online. 

Mike

McCracken Research Library - Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Bert H. said
Please let us know how long it takes you to reassemble it, how many skinned knuckles you end up with, and how many times you cuss at it... I know from experience that they do not go back together nearly as easily as they come apart!
Bert
  

I was thoroughly warned by Zeb.  I’m going to epoxy the fore stock tonight. Give it 24 hours and plan to clean and reassemble Wednesday or Thursday morning with a fresh pot of coffee and full strength positive attitude.  I’ll keep you updated. 

Bert

TXGunNut said
Interesting tidbit from the McCracken Library.
 
Mike
 

I’m unfamiliar with the library, how does one access it?

I got this old girl apart and boy howdy does she need a bath.  I think I’m the first one this deep in 100 years. I guess you only get bragging rights for that.  

Mike

Mike

Anthony said
Bert,
That's a nice example. Can't wait till you post some "chucks" next to it!
Looks like you're getting her dialed in!
 
Tony
  

Tony-

I think he's very close to MOGR (Minute of Ground Rodent) at this point but we know he'll be tweaking it a bit to ensure clean kills. As you know those critters may charge when wounded and we certainly don't want that for our fearless club historian! OTOH video of the incident could be entertaining. Just saying. 

Mike

As always we are planning on a first-class show, if I can help make your experience better please let me know! Hotel reservations need to be made soon, table reservations can be completed at the below link. 

Please PM or post any questions I may be able to answer for you. 

Fall 2026 - Texas Gun Collectors Association

Mike

That's a nice example. Can't wait till you post some "chucks" next to it!

Looks like you're getting her dialed in!

Tony

The extractor looks ok at least

Looking forward to seeing everyone.