Help with 1866 Uberti lever rifle

[Cool Hand Joe]

Hi, just purchased a factory Uberti 1866 in 38 special. My son loves shooting it, but the rifle has not been short stroked and it’s not quite at smooth as our 73. There aren’t many folks near Tallahassee that I know that can work on these, so I’m hoping to buy whatever parts or kits (and from which vendor) that this group could recommend, and I’ll have a gunsmith I know do the work. Appreciate the help, this sport has a huge learning curve!! 

[Garrison Joe, SASS #60708]

If your gunsmith works on a lot of cowboy guns, he will probably appreciate it if you let him pick out the parts to be installed.   Many smith's really hate being locked into putting in and fitting parts that they don't normally use.  Since each short-stroke kit is different, letting your smith pick the parts would make a lot of sense.

 

If that gunsmith is just a "general sporting guns" fellow (or even less knowledgeable, black gun parts swapper) - then pick a CAS familiar gun smith!   Cowboy guns are usually more than just "let's throw some new parts in" type of job.  Tuning and smoothing also needs to be done to get a "go-fast" job to actually run well.

 

The gunsmith list which SASS keeps in their FAQ includes this fellow:

Florida - Island Gunsmith - Tommy Bonnet (alias - El Q Jones) Amelia Island, FL (904) 557-4909

 

good luck, GJ

[Rance - SASS # 54090]

I shot a ‘66 yellowboy for years..

it had a 3rd. Generation short stroke in it..

It ran beautiful.. and I turned in some great times.. (I was younger then)

I went to a ‘73 with the super short stroke..

My times didn’t get any better..

A ‘73 gunsmith can work fine on a ‘66…

Practically the same gun..

I ain’t a gunsmith.. but hope this helps..

 

 

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

Well, an 1866 is a pretty simple machine.  But, simple machines are finicky.  You're going to need a Short Stroke kit - Shotgun Boogie or Pioneer Gunworks or Cowboys and Indian Store.  Reduced Firing Pin return spring and perhaps an extended firing pin (usually sold together.  A reduced Main Spring - either after-market or smith reduced and some judicious rubbin-n-buffin.  Have Fun 

 

Aw Krap.  I Forgot.  Yul also need a set of reduced Lever Side Springs.  Either reduced OEM springs or a set of after-market springs - SlixSprings.

[DeaconKC]

I had a 66 that was worked on by Boomstick Jay and his work was great. Texas boy, so it's gonna be shipping, but I would use him again in a heartbeat.