That’s a weak spot on 1873’s, 1876’s, 1886’s, 1892’s and 1894’s (and maybe others out of my sphere of interest). The wood is too thin to last very long and all these models show missing slivers in that area after time. I’d call it a design flaw but don’t know how it could have been made differently.
The only model I know of that has splitting wood problems due to recoil is the model 1885. Supposedly, that is due to the taper of the tang screw acting somewhat as a log splitter when experiencing recoil.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
On a 73, I don’t think its a recoil issue since there isn’t much recoil. I always figured it was from people removing stocks to clean the gun and if removed wrong you chip the wood and then the wood becomes loose to the metal which then can cause cracks & chipped wood.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
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I think it happens when the stock is taken off and then upon re-assembly it goes on a bit cockeyed and doesnt slide all the way home easily. I have had this feel when putting stocks back on.
if frustrated bubba hits the butt to get it right up it will split easily
Phil
I have seen this on a lot of Winchesters various models. I think it is from dropping the gun in a vertical position onto its butt plate, as I’ve seen it on guns that I believe to have never been disassembled. Or from other kinds of day to day use / abuse. Also see a lot of chipped off pieces at the bottom of the buttstock on the bottom end of the buttplate at the toe.
Hey what else can you expect from guns that range from 75 to 150 years old? Crap happens.
Sincerely,
Maverick
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