winchester 94 question

sgtgrinche · Post by **sgtgrinche** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 7:28 pm

i have a winchester 94 made in 1979 that every time i shoot it it cracks the casings what could i do about this i would appreciate any help

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 7:37 pm

sgtgrinche,

Welcome to the forum.

When you say "it cracks the casings" can you be more specific? Do the cases split length wise from mouth to case head, or do they split in a ring just forward of the case head?

What caliber is it? And how much has it been used?

Joe

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 7:39 pm

It could be bad brass. Have you tried another brand of ammo in it?
Are we talking neck splits or splits/cracks in the case body?
I have had some very old ammo that would develop neck splits when fired in a rifle with a good chamber that would not cause splits in other ammo.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 7:53 pm

Sgt. Grinche, welcome to the Forum. PICTURES, PICTURES, pictures... we love pictures. One the one hand you could have bad brass, old ammo, a bulged chamber, or excessive headspace. Need more info. Where are the "cracks" on the brass? A number of issues need further identification of the problem. At the very least I wouldn't fire it until I identified the root cause.

sgtgrinche · Post by **sgtgrinche** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:00 pm

brass splits around sometimes it just cracks and the whole case will eject and some time it snaps in half i have tried several differnt brands of ammo doesnt make a difference as far as pictures i dont have any of the brass got peeved and file 13. plus im new to the computer scene and havent learned that stuff yet barely getting this down thank you for making me feel welcome

sgtgrinche · Post by **sgtgrinche** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:02 pm

case body cracks about one half inch up from base havent fired it in awhile so im trying to remember 30/30 ammo

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:04 pm

sgtgrinche,

From your description it sounds like sometimes the case head is snapping off.
If this is the case, and it's happening every time you shoot the gun, then the head space is excessive to the point of danger.

Do not shoot the gun again, take it to a gunsmith and have the head space checked.

Joe

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:08 pm

TAKE IT TO A GUNSMITH BEFORE YOU FIRE IT AGAIN ! !

It sounds like you are getting case head separation - a sign of excessive headspace, and a dangerous situation.

If you continue to fire it, without repair, you're chancing SERIOUS EYE DAMAGE at the least, and more serious injury at the worst !

sgtgrinche · Post by **sgtgrinche** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:11 pm

thanks guys i dont plan on firing it i wanted to pick some brains it was driving me nuts i did take it to my local gunsmith he is a shot gun guy no experience with lever guns does anyone know any good smiths in the western pa north east ohio area

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:12 pm

Dont shoot it!! We don`t want to loose any members!!!!

There is something WRONG. Are you sure its a .30-30???

sgtgrinche · Post by **sgtgrinche** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:13 pm

yes sir mister chuck it is a 30/30

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:18 pm

Not sure where you're at, but... check online for Hunter's Restorations. He is a member here and I'm certain he can do the job, or recommend a 'smith in your area!

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:19 pm

Friend, I have seen some very strange things. Someone could have home gunsmithed it, Who knows?
I would have a trusted smith check it out. Don`t want no bolts coming out the back of our heads or eyes put out by excaping gass.

sgtgrinche · Post by **sgtgrinche** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:30 pm

mister griff im in 50 miles south of cleveland ohio i went to hunters site but didnt see where he is located

thank you mister chuck i take your advise very seriously do you know any smiths

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:39 pm

Call Brownells customer help line. They will put you in touch with the closest one. http://www.brownells.com/Default.aspx
Good luck friend!!

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:47 pm

sgtgrinche wrote:mister griff im in 50 miles south of cleveland ohio i went to hunters site but didnt see where he is located

He's in MO. Ain't sure exactly where.

Mike-in-WV · Post by **Mike-in-WV** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 9:17 pm

See if you can get ahold of an Akron or Medina, Ohio phone book. There are many smiths in either of those area's and there should be plenty in your area. Check the yellow pages and make some calls. Good luck, Mike

coachise · Post by **coachise** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:00 pm

grinch,
Call : Dick's Gun Room, Cuyahoga Falls, OH (330) 929-1181. If they don't gunsmith there, I'm sure they can direct you to someone.
They have an awesome selection of used levers, of which I've relieved them of a few. I live in Columbus and only get up there when I visit my parents. So I don't know for sure if they have gunsmith service. It's a great little shop and I bet they do.