I really mad because I typed up a whole big thing and my computer crashes before I got to post it.

So to make a long story short, I have a Winchester 94 in .45 Colt. I know that only qualified smiths are supposed to take em apart completely. I fired a lot of BP through this levergun and I really hate the fact that I can't get to all the BP inside the workings. I got the bore all clean, but I need to break it down and make sure every last crevace of black powder is scraped out to it doesn't harm the metal.

Anybody know anybody? That'll be the last time I fire BP in a Win94. now I know why they had those removeable sideplates in the Winchester 73.

I really mad because I typed up a whole big thing and my computer crashes before I got to post it.

So to make a long story short, I have a Winchester 94 in .45 Colt. I know that only qualified smiths are supposed to take em apart completely. I fired a lot of BP through this levergun and I really hate the fact that I can't get to all the BP inside the workings. I got the bore all clean, but I need to break it down and make sure every last crevace of black powder is scraped out to it doesn't harm the metal.

Anybody know anybody? That'll be the last time I fire BP in a Win94. now I know why they had those removeable sideplates in the Winchester 73.

http://www.castbullet.com/misc/tdown.htm
Try this,do it yourself

I really mad because I typed up a whole big thing and my computer crashes before I got to post it.

So to make a long story short, I have a Winchester 94 in .45 Colt. I know that only qualified smiths are supposed to take em apart completely. I fired a lot of BP through this levergun and I really hate the fact that I can't get to all the BP inside the workings. I got the bore all clean, but I need to break it down and make sure every last crevace of black powder is scraped out to it doesn't harm the metal.

Anybody know anybody? That'll be the last time I fire BP in a Win94. now I know why they had those removeable sideplates in the Winchester 73.
Didn't know you could or, more likely, should shoot BP cartridges in a 94, especially considering it was introduced to take advantage of smokeless powder. I do a lot of BP (Colt, Remington revolvers, flint pistol and rifle), and I don't think I'd ever want to get that fouling into the innards of a '94, especially if it gets into the lever mechanism. Has anyone else here used BP in a Winchester?

Having said that -- somewhere here on the forum is a recepie for a stew that dissolves black powder like magic; there's also a commercial spray that supposedly does it (I haven't tried either; I use plain old soap & hot water). Check in the BP pistols section of the forum. I hope that helps.

- VF

http://www.castbullet.com/misc/tdown.htm
Try this,do it yourself
Thanks!

Didn't know you could or, more likely, should shoot BP cartridges in a 94, especially considering it was introduced to take advantage of smokeless powder. I do a lot of BP (Colt, Remington revolvers, flint pistol and rifle), and I don't think I'd ever want to get that fouling into the innards of a '94, especially if it gets into the lever mechanism. Has anyone else here used BP in a Winchester?

Having said that -- somewhere here on the forum is a recepie for a stew that dissolves black powder like magic; there's also a commercial spray that supposedly does it (I haven't tried either; I use plain old soap & hot water). Check in the BP pistols section of the forum. I hope that helps.

- VF

Well, you're right about that. BP was NOT meant for the 94. I'll only shoot smokeless from now on.

The only time I'll shoot BP out of a Winchester ever again is if it was Model 73.

Didn't know you could or, more likely, should shoot BP cartridges in a 94, especially considering it was introduced to take advantage of smokeless powder.
The Winchester Model 1894s were introduced first in 2 blackpowder cartridges, the 32/40 and the 38/55. ;)

The Winchester Model 1894s were introduced first in 2 blackpowder cartridges, the 32/40 and the 38/55. ;)
Well, there you go. That's why I come to this forum -- to learn from all you guys who know more than me,,,,

Still wouldn't use BP in a modern '94, though....

-- VF

I'd get in there all I can with a Q-tip right now with some Ballistol or similar black powder solvent and follow it with some oil. Then, taking your time, study how it works ...slowly take it apart. Just don't force anything and use gunsmithing screw drivers. I agree with learning to tear it down...good to familiarize yourself with it. Even though the 94 Win. looks complicated when you draw the lever down, it really isn't. I learned by trial and error, but admit that I have never taken down the later models with the cross bolt or tang safeties. If and when you decide to shoot smokeless, I am a firm believer that you really don't need to tear it down. I go as far as taking the butt stock off and using solvent/Q-tips on the areas near the breach. I then lube it with a good spray lube and let the action drip into a rag a good long time before placing the butt stock back on. I also oil the pin that connects the lever to the bolt(BIG screw head on left side of frame...with the action closed, unscrew it, drop of oil on the pin, screw it back in...making sure to not let the pin fall out. Little more light oil on the friction points. Hope my rambling helps. I am sure the pioneers of old did not take apart their Winchesters as much as we do after shooting black powder...probably just cleaned them and oiled them the best they could. I probably wouldn't be satisfied until I did take it down and clean it, but that's jus me :D .

You can shoot black in the .45 rifle without a mess in the action. take some fire- formed cases from your rifle and reload them without resizeing them.
the brass is then formed to the chamber and makes a tight fit. hardly any gas or soot gets on the brass at all.Jim.

I know that I can Army GI! I have used black in it too! It is only a matter of proper fitting screwdrivers and a little mechanical ability. Best way to learn would be looking over the shoulder of someone that knows how.

I don't know your level of experiance here so I can't recomend learning "the hard way". I have been handed two over the years in a sack with the request to reassemble.

I don't shoot blackpowder in mine anymore just because of the reasons you outlined. I think the good aresol gun cleaning products out there should work fine for you.

Cheezywan

Army GI,

I can take a Win 94AE .45 Colt apart for cleaning. It's simple, no rocket science required. All it takes is an eye for details and good screw drivers.

As for shooting black powder out of my 94, I did that once and will not repeat that nonsense again.
They invented smokeless powder to get away from the filth and mess of black, so I'll just stay away from it. Thank you.

If you haven't gotten your 94 torn down yet, and need more indepth assistance, fire me an email or a PM.

Joe

cheezywan and miller, thanks.

I probably need those gunsmith screwdrivers. The very first day I had my Winchester, I scratched a small part of the bluing off of my weapon with a regular screwdriver. I'll never forgive myself for that. Thats probably why I'm reluctant to repeat that.

Yeah, I won't be shooting blackpowder through that thing anymore.

But before I start shooting regular ammo again, I think I should clean it out real good so the BP left in there won't eat away at the metal.

You're free to email me any instructions at FA_45ACP@yahoo.com

I don't understand the fear of using BP in a '94. Assuming your cases obturate properly, you should get very little fouling back in the action itself. I've played with BP .30/30 loads in a '94, never had any problem with the rifle itself. Throat would foul badly, though, and after about five rounds they would crunch when chambered.

I shoot nothing but BP in an 1892 production Wimchester 1892 I have. Detail stripping is not needed on a regular basis, IME.

I remember getting started shooting black from mine after reading a magizine article a few decades back.
Cost savings was the "why" part. It was cheap. Near rimfire cost. They shot just fine. Clean- up became the long turm problem. I felt the need to get the residue of black out of there for storage. A 1894 is not difficult to "tear down". I just found it to be a hassle to do so!
They do "run just fine" on black powder though!
Cheezywan

Thanks to who sent me those instructons on how to break em down. I appreciate it!

Also, let me just clear the air here: I really enjoy shooting Black. I get the best accuracy out of my 94 with BP and a hand casted 255gr bullet. But stripping it down is a hassle and you feel as if you need to get every bit of residue off for long storage.

Also, I shoot .45 Colt, so I get lots of blowback. You probably have little problems (the gentleman that shoots 30/30 BP) because the bottle neck case of your rifle cartridge has a hundred times more surface area than the tiny casemouth of my .45 Colt. So yours probably seals out blowback better. Although, it's neat to hear people shoot 30/30 in BP. How is that like?

Here's what an FBI friend of mine used to do back in the 70's when his gun (Service revolver)needed cleaning. He would bring it to me to break down OR, he would take the grips off and take it to garage (auto mechanic) that had a circulating solvent vat and leave it in there an hour. Take an air hose and blow it out, oil it, load it, and put it back in the holster. Was it ortodox? No! Did it work? Yes! So if you can't go by a schematic and do it yourself, can't find a gunsmith, or a friend, you can vat it, blow it, and load it.:eek:

Yeah, alot of times I forget that firearms are tools, not surgical instruments (although they can be!)

For example, I would never let anything but non-corrosive primer ammo, clp and libriplate touch my M1.

Army GI

"I shoot .45 Colt, so I get lots of blowback"

Also shoot a Win 94 in .45 Colt
Blowback is an issue - oversize chamber
So for leverguns I necksize only
Just to depth of bullet
Reduces blowback

Bob

My wife bought an ultrasonic cleaner for jewelry years ago. I just put some solvent in a zip-loc bag, put trigger groups or handgun frames in it, and it's clean in 60 seconds. Really works well. Too bad it's not big enough to get a whole rifle into.

I would say, take off the mag tube, the rear and front wood, and then swish it around in the C&S poly dunk kit for 20min or so.

I find that removing the mag tube plug and such and going down through it with a brush and patches helps with feeding issues.