Help with Winchester '73 Problem

[Pogue]

I was in Houston this weekend, and a neighbor showed me an old '73 he inherited. It's 44-40, and the serial number indicates it was made in 1888-89. I'd rate it overall NRA fair; it's mechanically all there except for the dustcover and front site blade; nice even patina, and maybe 20% blue on the magazine tube. Wood has no splits, but a few gouges and a minor chunk missing from the forearm. The bore was dark and fuzzy, but I didn't have my borelight to see if it was just dust or actually pitted.

The problem is that the hammer won't stay cocked - you can feel it want to catch, but the mainspring pressure pushes it back to the fired position. If this were a percussion lock, I'd say the tip of the sear and/or tumbler was broken, but I've looked thru my disassembly manual, and those parts or equivalents for the '73 don't immediately jump out at me.

Obviously I haven't attempted to disassemble the rifle yet. Anyone have an idea what's broke?



TIA

[LONGTOM]

Does it have an adjustable trigger?
If so there will be a small screw next to the trigger.
I have seen them screwed in to far and that can keep the hammer from staying at full cock.
If it doesn't have an adj trigger than I would agree that there is more than likely something either broken or just wore to the point that it no longer catches.

More than likely the bore will be pitted.
After all those years of BP down the tube I haven't seen to many that weren't!
Doesn't seem to bother the accuracy that much though.

Hope this helped.


LONGTOM

[Pogue]

I'll have to check to see if it has the adjustable trigger.


Thanks!

[John Y Cannuck]

as the trigger engages the hammer directly, it's probable that that's where the trouble lies.
My guess, is that either the trigger tip, that portion that acts as a sear is broken off, or the notches in the hammer where it engages are damaged, or plugged with debris, or rust.
Your going to have to take it down and look.

[Oldtimer]

One other possibility: hardened oil.  I have seen actions gummed up because someone kept dumping oil into the workings.  A good solvent can help without disassembly.  It might be worth a try, though I would still pull it down and detail clean any parts.

[STUMPJMPR]

If its as old and in as good shape as you say.  Lock it away.  Guns in that condition are hard to come buy.