Hello everyone,
This is my first time posting .I recently purchased a model 74 .22LR serial #132070 for $99 at a local store. The front sight is not dovetailed like the ones I have seen online. It looks like just a metal bead post and it has filed down. Can anyone tell me the age of this rifle and suggestions for a replacement front sight. I have found online conflicting years 1942 and also 1946. Also the magazine tube stop is a knurled metal knob vs the flat knob like the ones on 74’s online.
The rifle is missing the trigger spring, magazine lift spring, lower screw for the butt plate and it needs a replacement front sight. The whole gun needs a good cleaning . The bolt is complete but it is filthy and full of greasy crud.The wood is in good shape. I plan to get it back in shootable shape.
Thank you
Roberto
November 7, 2015

Roberto-
Welcome!
1942 is the correct manufacture date. You may want to post a pic of that front sight to verify it’s originality. Hard to say on parts, I generally try Brownells and Homestead first but it seems E-bay has quite a few parts.
Mike
Roberto
The model 74’s all came with the 75C front sight. What is the barrel length? Your gun should have a barrel length of 24″, if you measure from the muzzle to the end of the receiver it will show slightly under 23.5″. Is the muzzle flat or crowned? Without a photo of the muzzle it is hard to determine if this is indeed correct or if the barrel has been cut down and a different sight installed.
November 7, 2015

Roberto-
Looks more like a shotgun bead than a rifle front sight. Did you get a chance to measure the barrel?
Mike
Hello,
I was able to get it all cleaned up and installed the missing parts and an original magazine inner tube. It shoots fine and it is functioning properly. I really like it, it is a neat rifle.
I wanted to replace the cut down barrel so I was able to buy a replacement 24” barrel online that in very good shape.
i need advice on how difficult it is to removal the old barrel so I can replace it.
thanks for the help.
Roberto
[email protected] said
Hello,I was able to get it all cleaned up and installed the missing parts and an original magazine inner tube. It shoots fine and it is functioning properly. I really like it, it is a neat rifle.
I wanted to replace the cut down barrel so I was able to buy a replacement 24” barrel online that in very good shape.i need advice on how difficult it is to removal the old barrel so I can replace it.
thanks for the help.
Roberto
Removing the barrel is not difficult but you need the right tools. A barrel vise and a proper action wrench, one that supports the receiver so not to deform it when applying a lot of force unscrewing the barrel. A gunsmith usually make the wrench because there is no source for one . Sure some have been lucky and used a wooden block and a mallet but it’s a gamble.
Vince
Southern Oregon
NRA member
Fraternal Order of Eagles
“There is but one answer to be made to the dynamite bomb and that can best be made by the Winchester rifle.”
Teddy Roosevelt
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