Its really hard to push the cartridges through the loading gate when loading my yellowboy win 66 44-40 the last one gets pushed in with a dowel. I have read on the net to shave off some metal from the loading gate spring (ladle) I'm hesitant to try because if I blow it I don't think I'll be able to find another. Is this just the nature of the beast? I should mention this gun was made in 1972 and has seen very little use.
Uberti yellowboy loading problem
- Thread starter bat119
- Start date
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
Two things to do to remedy the situation. the first you have already mentioned. A slight hour-glassing form of the spring will do this.
The second is to take the spring cap off the magazine allowing the spring to protrude out of the tube. Make sure the one spring end is still in the follower and that the follower is still at the base of the tube. I consider any more than 3 inches of excess spring sticking out of the tube a waste and snip it off. All you need is enough spring tension to push/feed the last round from mag onto the elevator. You can test the effect of shortening your spring yourself before snipping by manually feeding and holding about 3" into the tube and then feed a single dummy round into the feed port, testing the tension to hold the round on the elevator. Your thumb will thank you for the changes.
The second is to take the spring cap off the magazine allowing the spring to protrude out of the tube. Make sure the one spring end is still in the follower and that the follower is still at the base of the tube. I consider any more than 3 inches of excess spring sticking out of the tube a waste and snip it off. All you need is enough spring tension to push/feed the last round from mag onto the elevator. You can test the effect of shortening your spring yourself before snipping by manually feeding and holding about 3" into the tube and then feed a single dummy round into the feed port, testing the tension to hold the round on the elevator. Your thumb will thank you for the changes.
Hour glassing or reducing the thickness of the loading gate seem to be the most recommended, just a couple of questions
1) the loading gate is about 1/2' wide how much should it be reduced hour glass style?
2) I assume the gate is heat treated should I grind it or use a file?
The article I read recommended reinforcing the loading gate bullet stop with JB weld to prevent it breaking off as this is a common case of failure in these rifles
Does anybody do this?
1) the loading gate is about 1/2' wide how much should it be reduced hour glass style?
2) I assume the gate is heat treated should I grind it or use a file?
The article I read recommended reinforcing the loading gate bullet stop with JB weld to prevent it breaking off as this is a common case of failure in these rifles
Does anybody do this?
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
The loading gate itself isn't the "spring". The spring is in behind and attached to the gate at one end and has a screw hole thru it at the other. Use a dremel or similar tool to reduce the sides of the spring in a long hour-glass figure ( not a short "notch"type cut) ... equal amounts from both sides...do it slowly so as to not over heat the spring. I reduce mine by about 20 % first time, re-install and test...repeat as necessary until it suits you.
I have read and heard of the gate tab breaking off as well and carry a spare with me for that reason but have never seen it actually happen "yet". JB is probably an adequate fix or you can get a spare complete spring/gate assembly from VTI Gun Parts stateside. I think the last one I ordered was under $10
I have read and heard of the gate tab breaking off as well and carry a spare with me for that reason but have never seen it actually happen "yet". JB is probably an adequate fix or you can get a spare complete spring/gate assembly from VTI Gun Parts stateside. I think the last one I ordered was under $10
