Bugler

Keep us posted as to which method you end up using..... Bugler

That is the exact rig that I am using.....as mentioned , not super fast, but is not as slow as many would have you believe.... There are many methods of drawing from the flap over holsters. Over the years there have been many posts on the various methods...ie....cavalry twist draw, drawing the gun upside down and rotating, simply rotating the gun in the holster as you are at the loading table being summoned to the line...etc I have used them all..... Bugler

Reinforcing the loading gate tab is the FIRST thing I do with any '66 I acquire whether it is Brand new as yours is or well used . I posted a tutorial on another post. This has been around for a long time and I claim NO credit for it other than I found it again to help another '66 shooter. Get some JB Weld at the hardware or auto parts store and follow the tutorial....you will NEVER have a problem with it. Nice to have that kind of confidence in your gear!! Bugler

What we’re going to do is create a fillet of JB Weld behind the tab so once the gate is removed, degrease it, and use some sandpaper to rough up the back side of the tab as well as the base where you will be applying the epoxy. Then just apply the JB Weld to create the reinforcing fillet like below. After it sets but before it fully cures you’re going to need to take a knife or file and trim the material where it meets the tab so that the tab will fit in the notch of the receiver. This is where it must fit. The tab doesn’t actually get pushed all the way into the notch when loading a round and as a matter of fact my tab reinforcement didn’t actually interfere with the notch but I trimmed it a bit anyway. So that’s all there is to it, probably a 20 minute job and this gate should last forever.

I found this excellent article..... Reinforcing the Uberti Winchester 1866 loading gateKey this into your search engine and it should take you right there....great photos and tutorial. Bugler

As an active Silhouette Competitor, I often see gear for sale or trade.....will keep my eyes and ears open for you..... Bugler

OP, Doesn't matter if the '66 is New In the Box or well used, the first thing I do is remove the side plates, remove the loading gate and reinforce it with JB weld like many have already mentioned. This is usually available at the hardware store or automotive parts store. After hardening, you may have to file the contour for proper fit.....After that is done you will NEVER have to deal with that issue again! There are many You Tube videos on this if you want or need a good tutorial. Bugler

Are you wanting to compete in NRA Heavy Rifle or Sporter division? Total weight of the rifle makes a difference....A 54 action would most likely be in Heavy rifle. I use either my 54MS Anschutz or a Remington 541T in Heavy Rifle and a Remington Model 5 or 581 for Sporter....Am AAA in both divisions. Bugler PS. You might take a serious look at a CZ 452/455.....less money than the Anschutz and is nearly as accurate. Mine will shoot nickel size 10 shot groups with Eley Black Box at 100 meters over a rest...what more do we need?

My '96 Swedish Mauser ( stock Military) 6.5x55 really likes IMR-4895 and 140 gr. Sierra Game Kings...hovers around 1.25 inch groups all day long...velocity is approx. 2700 fps. Bugler

Does anyone know of any movies where he was NOT the quintessential bad guy? He was sort of type cast like John Wayne was but on the dark side. He was SO good at the bad guy role that you loved to hate him....especially in the Cowboys Bugler

My grand father always called his 99 Savage in .250-3000 with Lyman 57 rear sight his "meat in the pot gun"..... I inherited it years ago and used it last weekend on a large body 3 point mule deer that lived in on a section of alphalfa field.....One shot with a 75 grain Accubond did the job. What a nostalgic journey for me....My dad's old Shrade LB-7 folding hunting knife did the field dressing..... Although both have been deceased for many years, they were both with me on last weekends hunt. How do you improve on THAT? Bugler