changing the loading gate on a Winchester '94

[Tombstone Kid]

Howdy folks,

I want to change the loading gate on my Winchester '94 (30-30).

My question: do I need to do a complete disassembly (remove lever, bolt, etc) to change the loading gate or can this be done by just removing the loading gate screw on the receiver and changing the gate with the action open and rifle fully assembled?

There doesn't look like there's much room to work in there with everything in place, but I don't want to go through the trouble of dissessembling my '94 if it's not necessary...

much obliged

 

[Boomer]

According to the diagram I have, you can use a small piece of flat bar with a 90 degree angle bent into the last 1/4 " of the bar to support the loading gate. Go through the top of the receiver with the bar - when the lever is in the down stroke to keep the elevator out of the way. Once the retaining screw is removed, the gate comes out through the loading port on edge.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

While it's not impossible (I don't think) to remove and install from the top, the teardown of a '94 is not difficult, as long as you are not among the mechanically challenged.