Loose Winchester Model 94

[Sky_DiveR]

I was wondering if there was a way to tighten up a post 64 Winchester 94. I keep getting told that M94's are supposed to be loose but the locking bolt assembly won't stay up unless there is a round in the chamber. Nothing looks really worn when I've torn it apart. Is this really normal or can I replace some part(s) to remove the slack?

[Bastard]

sounds like something might be out of spec or broken. might be that with a round in the chamber it keeps enough pressure on the bolt to hold the block up... if it were me, I would have a gunsimth look at it.

[NordicDave]

+1^^^^^^

The 94 is very difficult to disassemble & reassemble. The bolt actuator is floppy by design, and it's difficult for someone without experience with them to fix it themselves. Not for the faint of heart.

[Sky_DiveR]

......The 94 is very difficult to disassemble & reassemble. The bolt actuator is floppy by design, and it's difficult for someone without experience with them to fix it themselves. Not for the faint of heart.

Glad I didn't talk to you before I tore mine apart to clean it. Twice. Just kidding. I woulda still tore it apart.

Btw, Took it to my gunsmith. He tore it apart in front of me and said that it was fine. Replacing the link pins/screws would keep the locking bolt assembly alittle tighter but not really necessary. The pivot holes weren't egged and the lever assembly wasn't bent. Checked headspace and said that it was tight. Even told me the rifle was built in '73 and is in excellent shape. After all that he quickly threw it back together, handed it back to me and told me to take it out and enjoy it. Guess I was concerned about nothing.

[xibunkrlilkidsx]

Glad I didn't talk to you before I tore mine apart to clean it. Twice. Just kidding. I woulda still tore it apart.

Btw, Took it to my gunsmith. He tore it apart in front of me and said that it was fine. Replacing the link pins/screws would keep the locking bolt assembly alittle tighter but not really necessary. The pivot holes weren't egged and the lever assembly wasn't bent. Checked headspace and said that it was tight. Even told me the rifle was built in '73 and is in excellent shape. After all that he quickly threw it back together, handed it back to me and told me to take it out and enjoy it. Guess I was concerned about nothing.

It isn't that bad. if you are good mechanically and have the breakdown to look at online i got mine taken apart fully cleaned and lubricated in two hours or so.

[zoid52]

I have both pre & post 94's. I cannot tell a difference of 'looseness' between them.

[NordicDave]

Hi Sky_DiveR,

I'm glad everyone was OK and in spec. For me anyway, it's always worth a couple of bucks to get expert help.

Great work, thank you for sharing the results!