Winchester 1892 in 38-40...feeding issues

[Geofois]

Hey guys,
My brother's lever gun when we first started shooting was rough loading the bullets. A couple times it stood the bullet up instead of chambering the round and we had to use a screwdriver to push the round in the tube back toward the front in order to get that round out. It looks like the rim of the cartridge was stuck under. It was the first time he was ever shooting it so it might have needed lube and breaking in with the brass working the steel surfaces a little? After a couple dozen shots it seems better. Are there some surfaces he should polish to enable to rounds to more smoothly feed? We were using brazos 180gr coated lead bullets. Maybe smooth copper feeds better than coated bullets? After racking the lever quicker maybe he just needed the hang of it.

[golfish]

Geo, is this a new Miroku gun?

[Geofois]

Sorry I should have said it is made in like 1894, Wichnester Model 1892. Seems mechanically great. It's a really smooth action but it could have been sitting for 100 years and maybe the metal surfaces needed some working?

[golfish]

Sorry I should have said it is made in like 1894, Wichnester Model 1892. Seems mechanically great. It's a really smooth action but it could have been sitting for 100 years and maybe the metal surfaces needed some working?

Man, I'd sure like to see you post some pictures of that 125 year old gun. I'd love to get something like that.

I would suggest that your brother take it to a gunsmith, that's what I would do. I know you said that you and your brother have shot it but it still would be a good idea to have it checked out

[elk hunter]

After over 100 years of use it might need to go to a good gunsmith, ya think? maybe? Worn out parts. It's what I would do if it was mine.

[Geofois]

I bet that's what it needs, a doctor's visit with the gunsmith. It did cycle fine after the first few shots but it would be good safe thing to do. I'll post some pics asap. It has that worn no more bluing kinda look.

[Geofois]

Here are some pics

[golfish]

Here are some pics

OMG, That's a beauty

I think your best bet would be to sell or trade it. Your brothers going to spend who knows how much money fixing it. How about I trade your brother a brand new finely tuned Rossi model 92 in 357. You wont have any problems with this one. I'll even throw in 100 rds of ammo.



Of course I'm kidding but I sure would like an old 92 like that one and I would trade for it
So I'm not really kidding

[Geofois]

I actually told him he should have bought a lever 357 as the daily driver since he'll probably just shoot this a couple times a year. I'm looking for a 357 if you want to find it a new home =). I got a winchester 1894 44 mag in a trade so I'll play with that till the 300 rounds runs out then decide if I want to load 44 mag.

[elk hunter]

That's a nice old rifle, I think fwiw I would take it to a good Winchester smith and have a tear down and good cleaning with inspection done. They might just see something that's causing the sluggishness of this rifle. Maybe a part maybe just 120 years of crap in it. I would hope it's just old gooo that needs to be removed and if it is you might be able to keep it all original. Performance wise the 38-40 is much like the 44-40 they will both kill deer if used inside of their range. I always wanted a 92 carbine in 38-40.

[DueceMcGurk]

Geo,
The 38-40 is a very interesting cartridge. Actually a 40 caliber (.401 projectile). Legal in Wild Bunch rifle class. Good hunting choice. Historically significant. Rare find.

Hard to find round (Black Hills and HSM make it for about $.80 per shot). But you are a reloader, if that is your bench top, so you will be able to create affordable ammo -- if you can find brass and lead.

If it is a "keeper" or an heirloom, I agree it should be taken to a Winchester specialist. This unicorn will make you the envy of the entire lever nation.

If you are a high volume shooter, you will find some great trade options and cash offers for it. The trip to the gunsmith will add significantly to its value.

Let us know how it turns out. Congrats on your 38-40. She's a beauty. Oozes character.

[Horsewright]

Turnbull, Turnbull, Turnbull!!!!!!

[kendog4570]

Nice rifle.
Cartridge stops and their springs wear and break and also get gummed up with 100+ years of old oil and crud. Carriers and guides get screwed up by persons attempting to "fix" things without knowing what they are doing. Parts are available. If you cant find anyone in your area I can unscrew it for you if you care to ship it. Just did a .218 Bee last month with the same problem.

[TRAP55]

Want to know when it was made?

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=410211

[pennstater]

Geo, you would do well to contact kendog4570. You do have a very nice, old rifle there.

MLC