Are There Any REAL Gunsmiths Left?

[caltx01]

I hope my S&W brethren will forgive me for asking a question concerning a non-S&W rifle but I am about at my wit's end here.

I have a Winchester 94 in .44 Magnum that was manufactured in 1971. It is one of my favorite rifles and I carry it with me to my farm regularly. Recently it has developed a problem. When I cycle the action I will occasionally have a cartridge release and go under the lifter. This causes a jam and I have to take the lever out to clear it.

I would like to get this problem fixed. Research indicates it can be one of a few things and all are repairable. So I started looking around in east Texas where I live for a good gunsmith to make this repair for me. To my dismay I have found that all the gun shops I have contacted either no longer have a gunsmith or their "smith" is only capable of placing high dollar accessories on AR rifles - not much more.

So I started asking around about reputable gunsmiths and have found again that none are interested in working on anything much more than 1911s or AR rifles.

I am willing to ship this rifle anywhere I need to in order to get it to a competent gunsmith who will repair it for me. Can anyone anywhere suggest a good gunsmith who is competent and willing to work on a Winchester 94?

Thanks very much for all advice and assistance.

Cal Barton
Tyler, Texas

 

[J-FRAME]

Try Wild West guns in Las Vegas. They worked on my Win 94 here in Alaska for me.

 

[BMCM]

Likely the cartridge stop on your lower link is worn out of spec. Peening to stretch it out a bit can sometimes fix this. Otherwise it may require welding or a replacement. If your not inclined to tackle this yourself I'd check the list of authorized repair centers at Winchesterguns and call one close by and see if they can fix you up.

Cheers
Bill

 

[tompehret]

There are quite a few smiths making a specialty of working on SASS shooter's guns. The 94 isn't seen too often at SASS matches but, often enough. Longhunter Supply in Amarillo TX is one of the better ones IMO. They may be able to fix you right up.

 

[dwade7551]

BMCM is correct. The primary catridge stop is a protusion on th link. This can be welded/recontoured to fix the problem. I am surprised to hear that there aren't any good gunsmiths in East Texas.

Regards,
Dale

 

[Watchdog]

Real gunsmiths?

You might check with Nu-Line Guns, Inc. They specialize in Winchesters...mostly shotguns, it seems, but they have a section for post-64 Model 94s.

 

[BMCM]

This here is the thing we're talking about...

When the lower link is dropped cycling the action that little nub sticks up in front of the magazine tube to keep stuff in there from shooting out and jammin' up the works. It's not an uncommon problem. The cartridge stop just gets worn down over time to the extent it will allow a cartridge to ride over it and under the carrier.



If you're inclined to mess with it... I can be peened with a punch or a small crosspein hammer like the one in this pic...

Set it flat against a steel benchblock or a or anvil to stretch it a little to restore function. You could also silverbraze a little glob on the end or weld then file it to shape just a little longer. How much depends on how badly yours is worn. could be in need of just a few thousandths or could be a 1/16 or so. It's trial & error... stretch it a little and reassemble/test... repeat until it's the jamming is resolved. You can see where mine is a little worn too but still working so far...

Cheers
Bill

 

[chief38]

You could try Mid West Gunworks.

Policies & Information: MGW

 

[shouldazagged]

I usually recommend Gary Roman of Firearms Service Center in Louisville.

 

[caltx01]

Thanks to all for the suggestions and thanks especially to Bill for the pictures and the explanation. I am a lot less concerned about the prospects for getting my gun repaired now that I understand the issue better. I will contact the suggested smiths and I'll bet I can find someone to fix me up

Thanks again!
Cal in TX

 

[Boxhead]

Tip Burns in Canyon Lake Texas.