From: "Alex Hamilton", [EMAIL PROTECTED] Steve, We have had problems with Winchester 1894 side eject underlever rifles in my club and I am writing to ascertain whether this is a design fault and something that Winchester should rectify. The problem is that the Cartridge Block breaks in normal use and renders the rifle unusable, except in single shot mode. The part is only fitted to rifles in .357 Magnum calibre and is a small piece of literally "bent tin" held by a screw to the forward part of the finger lever. Its purpose is to prevent cartridges being fed from the magazine whilst the cartridge lifter is in the UP position. In rifles in larger calibres, like 45 Long Colt, 44-40 and 30-30 this is achieved by a projection on the finger lever itself, but with smaller diameter cases like .357 Magnum, this projection is extended with a piece of bent tin which keep breaking. We have had 5 breakages of this part on four rifles, which rules out pure chance, in my opinion. I would be grateful to hear from other Cybershooters about the experiences in their clubs with Winchester 94s in .357 Magnum and also about the replacement situation. We had to wait up to three months, which is totally unacceptable as both the dealers and the importer know that these rifles are used almost exclusively for target shooting. By the way, this part is listed in Winchester's price list at $1.95. Therefore it would not be a matter of major "investment" to ensure that it is available by return of post, if only our useless dealers and especially the importer took their business seriously!!!! I would be grateful to hear from anyone that has had the misfortune to break this small part. Many thanks, Alex. -- I have heard other complaints about these rifles, I assume this is a common problem though I haven't investigated it in that much depth. Steve. -------[Cybershooters contacts]-------- Editor: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website & subscription info: www.cybershooters.org
