Hey everyone,

I need some help.

I just bought an 1894 rifle in 32-40 from 1904 that's seen better days. It got some rough parts that can be put back to operation, however one problem is causing me some concern.

The firing pin in the bolt is not free moving. It will move with some real effort but it takes a bit. I have tried to clean the heck out of it to free it up but nothing. I have taken the rifle apart and even after trying to get the firing pin out of the bolt it won't come.

Looking at the back of the bolt, it looks like it has somewhat turned itself over to the right. Not sure why it has done this or what is up with it, but I just want to get the pin out to clean things up.

So firstly, does anyone have any ideas on what I can do to get it out? Any reason why it would be so stuck?

My next question is, if I have to replace the bolt, can I utilize one off a 30WCF or 32 Win Spec? Or does it have to be off another 32-40?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

The firing pin in the bolt is not free moving. It will move with some real effort but it takes a bit. I have tried to clean the heck out of it to free it up but nothing. I have taken the rifle apart and even after trying to get the firing pin out of the bolt it won't come.

Looking at the back of the bolt, it looks like it has somewhat turned itself over to the right. Not sure why it has done this or what is up with it, but I just want to get the pin out to clean things up.

Does that mean in looks bent as an assembly? Does it slide freely back and forth in the reciever? Makes me wonder if a horse fell on it or something! Post a picture if you can.

Cheezywan

Sorry Cheez, bolt moves back and forth in the rifle just fine, its just the firing pin which is all seized up inside the bolt.

Sorry Cheez, bolt moves back and forth in the rifle just fine, its just the firing pin which is all seized up inside the bolt.

Soak and tapp is all I can offer. Kerosine used to be cheap. Gasoline also works if you take care. Kroil is my "get after it" solvent of choice.

Your description "reads" like something bent? I hope NOT!

Cheezywan

Go here and look at the schematic. There's a pile of parts inside a Winchester bolt and most of them are available here.

http://www.e-gunparts.com/productschem.asp?chrMasterModel=0950z94%20PRE%2064

There is a pin that holds the firing pin in the bolt in pre-64's. I don't have a pre-64 and have never worked with one but an exploded view shows it to be at the back of the bolt. It is below the rails that the bolt slides on and runs cross wise.

My next question is, if I have to replace the bolt, can I utilize one off a 30WCF or 32 Win Spec? Or does it have to be off another 32-40?



Assuming no design changes to the bolt over the years between 1894 and 1964, yes. The rim diameter is .506" in all three of the calibers you mentioned, and in the .38-55 Winchester.

I hope you get this old rifle working again. It's a real pleasure to own a piece of history like this, and even more so to shoot it.

The Old Guy