Mike

Rick C said

Buck1967 said
https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/5032/1/attractive-engraved-winchester-model-1866-lever-action-rifle
Hi guys, I’m  thinking of adding a 66 to my collection and curious if you guys see anything wrong with this one? Appreciate any help! Thanks
  

RIA knows the routine. Their description “Fine as professionally embellished” says it all to me. Not the original engraving. 
  

This. Add to that they only included 6 pictures on a gun that potentially could be worth north of 10k....plus as mentioned, it's not in a premier auction. Red flags and they know something we don't....or that we do I guess.

Bob

The lever "catch" lines up properly now to hold the lever in place, and I was smiling.

HOWEVER, if I was smart I would have "fit checked" the toggle links to the replacement lever pin, as I mentioned the pin is seized in that one too.

So low and behold I got the lower tang, lever, etc lined up and button down, the lever spring reinstalled then went to attach the toggles.

You would have probably seen this coming but I didn't... side toggles will not slip onto the (also seized) pin of this replacement finger lever. My luck.

Guess the guy before me figured it was hammer time as well. I believe a couple light passes with my dremel tool can resolve that quickly unless you know of a better option? 

Check fit to the remaining pieces before re-assembling... another lesson learned .

Buck1967 said
https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/5032/1/attractive-engraved-winchester-model-1866-lever-action-rifle
Hi guys, I’m  thinking of adding a 66 to my collection and curious if you guys see anything wrong with this one? Appreciate any help! Thanks
  

RIA knows the routine. Their description “Fine as professionally embellished” says it all to me. Not the original engraving. 

Bob

If the pin in the lever does not come out easily I pull the lower tang rather than beat on it. 

Bob

What I did not mention on my original post is that the pin for the lever was (is) seized, and I could not get the lever out... decided not to bang on it anymore (well supported with stack of washers underneath as to not bend the frame) after soaking in Kroil for 3 days. But, I decided to pull the screws to remove the lower tang then wiggled it down a bit and the lever came right out seized pin and all. The replacement lever pin is seized in there as well, but no problem the replacement just dropped right in.

So with that said, the pics I posted were the original lever still in the gun, and the replacement lever setting on top... appearing to me to have no bend (all I based that on was by visually comparing everything hanging below the receiver).

Now, when I had original lever all the way out I did compare them more closely and take some pics before installing replacement lever.

And you are right, that son of a gun was well bent / stretched.... orig lever on bottom.

Welcome to the forum, Post a picture of the entire lever from the side with it in the closed position. It looks like the lever is bent. 

Bob 

 Anyone can think their gun is worth big bucks but it's only worth what it sells for. When a gun is not original these painful reality checks happen unless you happen to find a fool. Don't be the fool, do your homework. I watched a guy at Tulsa this last show get screwed because he was to proud to ask for a second opinion. The average buyer knows just enough to get taken.

 If RIA gives it an estimate of 7k, it has to have a cat in the closet. T/R

TR said
  The first thing you do is google "winchester 1866 20126" and the gun will show up on "March in Montana auction" est 15-25k. Look at the pictures, log in find the sale price, and search some more. Do not be influenced by a cheap estimate, Poulin did that in their last auction buyers went right past the estimates and the guns sold for what they were worth. The value of that gun depends on what you see when you hold it in your hand. No free lunch.
  If someone bought it for 20k in 2025 would they sell it for 7k? Maybe no sale or was returned. T/R
  

Thank you TR. I did that and was able to see it sold for 15k plus 3.45 in BP just 12 months ago. It started at 10k and went to 15k. I guess it should be concerning someone would try and unload it so quickly and then RIA did choose to place it in the lower tier auction in April instead of the a premier Auction in May. Could be nothing but is something wrong with this gun? Was something altered or otherwise changed that the previous buyer discovered after purchasing and RIA now also knows about so they have deemed it unworthy of the Premier auction? 

  If someone bought it for 20k in 2025 would they sell it for 7k? Maybe no sale or was returned. T/R

Right now I have a problem, and am hoping for some guidance on a second model '73 in 38 wcf. This rifle came to me with a lever that when fully closed, does not reach the "catch", as it falls short by about an eighth of an inch.The action felt tight and operates as it should, and my mind went to several scenarios as to what would cause this.

- (1) extended flat piece on rear of lever had been broken off a bit then smoothed down, causing it to be too short, (2) lever had been replaced perhaps with one that just wasn't right for the gun, (3) lever could be bent slightly which causes said shortage. I research best I could online (including this forum) and found nothing conclusive, so I purchased a vintage and correct (from same 2nd model sn range), and this lever is the exact same dimensions visually.

So, I'm now back to square one but inclined to think the lever is not the problem.

I don't see any apparent adjustment in positioning of the catch itself. Perhaps there is adjustment in how the lever rests horizontally or maybe a weakened spring that affects same? I have to figure how to get these two parts about a quarter inch closer together. See pics... Thoughts anyone ? 

Thx-Joe