Win 94 Large loop lever - feeler

cody c

cody c

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Hello all,

Im looking at getting some of the large loop lever's cut/machined for my post 64 win 94.

Because I cant seem to attach images, here's a link to someone else's site for an idea:

http://www.pointmanspage.com/galler...p/Winchester_94_large_loop_lever_102.jpg.html

Anyway, I like the idea of a larger loop, but the john wayne style is a bit too large and protruding, since I work with autocad its easy for me to scratch something up that is a little more subtle, something you could fit your hand with gloves into but not be so large or awkward, or difficult to fit in a scabbard.

Also the choice of materials is larger, stainless or bare steel, maybe even PC or blued. Personally I think a few stainless components and a nice rawhide leather butt sleeve for the rifle and it would make an old 30-30 etc. more interesting to take out of the safe.

So, this is a feeler, if Im gonna get one cut the price is gonna be more competetive if I get 20 cut and machined. Is anyone here seriously interested in a one off batch of larger loop levers to upgrade their Win 94's? If I do go through and there is people interested than the price will be only cost of (materials+shipping+waterjet/machining)+.5% or total cost plus 1/20th.

Anyone interested? and would you prefer stainless or steel, and what would be the price limit where if machining and shipping costs are too high that your not interested? Ive already sent some info off for rough quote for waterjet and material of the levers, and will have to get a machining quote for the recessed section of the internal part of the lever arm.

BTW Im not out to be a vendor or inclined to make multiple batches, just to build something for myself and a few for anyone in the shooting community interested. If this is in the wrong area or I am crossing some sort of forum boundary please feel free to move or delete. cou:
 
c-fbmi said:
If you're really only wanting one, why not buy one from Western Gun Parts and modify it to your liking?
Click to expand...

Id like it in stainless, though that would probably be easier.

Maybe I will look at that instead, I do like the R+D process of getting parts built though.

Whats their price do you know?
 
the one in the pic is rather large for me, but if you had something a little smaller in mind, and were gonna get it made, and of coarse depending on the price, I just may join up and get one, too!
 
two-dogs said:
the one in the pic is rather large for me, but if you had something a little smaller in mind, and were gonna get it made, and of coarse depending on the price, I just may join up and get one, too!
Click to expand...

The one in the attachment is the standard large loop lever, and is probably best for spinning a lever action in country movies.

The factory small loop levers are kinda awkward, as you #### the lever it rotates with your three fingers in it and is kinda tight and twists your fingers a bit much.

My thought was to build it just large enough to get your hand in the lever with gloves (not super thick mittens) and enough extra space that it doesnt twist your fingers. But try not to make it large and protruding. A little closer to Marlins version of the large loop in the SBL.
 
Beaver Skin said:
Check out the Marlin levers made by DRC (David R Clay). I have them on my guns and find them to be the perfect balance between the large loops out there and the standard levers.
Click to expand...

I just looked at their site, they have a really nice lever, kind of looks like the henry a bit, but their lever that comes on their rifles is a totally different style, more tear dropped than partially flattened eliptical, I think that may be smoother cycling than the large loops, but it looks like it sticks out a bit much.

Maybe having a larger loop with the it a bit tighter at your index finger would be a good thing though.


I really need to figure out how to post things on here so I dont have to use so many words.
 
Well, I scratched something up on CAD and sent it off to a local shop the other day. Once it's been laser'd I'll need to get it milled. Might have it done in a few weeks. I only had one cut as I need to make sure it's perfect before I order them in any quantity. Ordered it in 304 SS.

Also CAD'd up the barrel bands in SS and sent that off for a quote. The middle band I've modified to have a sling loop on it, and they will need to be milled as well. Im hoping it isn't too obtrusive, and that the two bands and the lever loop in stainless will dress up a plain Jane thurty-thurty to make it much more exciting to throw in the passenger seat for a drive, or a long hike down to the river.

If anyone feels like posting pictures up for me when I get the parts back feel free to volunteer!
 
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Sounds like a great project. There are a couple of smaller large loop levers available for Marlin , but nothing for Winchester that I know of. DRC was already mentioned but Wild West Guns and Brockman are two more that come to mind. I've always wanted something similar for my 94 so I'll be watching this with interest.
 
Leg said:
Sounds like a great project. There are a couple of smaller large loop levers available for Marlin , but nothing for Winchester that I know of. DRC was already mentioned but Wild West Guns and Brockman are two more that come to mind. I've always wanted something similar for my 94 so I'll be watching this with interest.
Click to expand...

It will probably cost me about $150-250 in machining just for the first prototype loop, let alone my own time, my plan is to get maybe 20 more cut after it looks good, to sell off, not really to make money on but just to cover the costs and bring something fun to the shooting community. Im hoping to keep costs under $100 each for unpainted stainless, though ballpark I'll guess $80-120, and closer to double that if anyone is interested in the loop with the
bands. Just want to do one or two batches of them
 
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A large loop lever lets you hold it as if it was a pistol grip, and then you kind'a move your hand forward to lever it, and back to close it. Works best for gents with large, thick fingers that are too cramped to fit inside the loop (The Duke qualified as a good example). You place your thumb inside the loop, finger on the trigger, and wrap your fingers around the outside of the loop, and work the action that way, gripping the lever like it was a pistol grip.
 
Alright, I got a single lever cut (laser table) for me, it still needs a bit of material machined off at the tip and then I'll look at nickel plating. Is there anyone around who would be willing to post pictures for me?
If so please send me a PM, also the front bands, including the one with the sling loop should be in the mail to me by Monday, they will also require some machining and then plating

Levers_zps111cbde4.jpg
 
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added pics above, thanks for helping andrew!
These are just the proto types, someone mentioned using a stainless that will take blueing, ill look into it if theres enough interest in getting some more made.



Edit: I feel like Im bumping my own thread too much so I decided to add this in the previous post:

Two dogs: Ill let you know. I only had three cut out for the proto types, if they turn out alright then Ill give you first dibs. Another person is interested in the other, but I have to see how they turn out, there may be a second batch with some corrections, and perhaps Ill try the 4140 as apparently its stainless but you can still blue it (i gotta read up on that).

Cody.
 
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I'm still interested. I would be using it on a pre '64. Just can't decide on SS or Blued, yet! Like you say, the SS just might add a lil touch of more love, if it's possible to add more love to a 94 :p . Please PM me if I loose touch of this thread.
 
I got the barrel bands in the mail yesterday, they look pretty dull grey as the surface is rough from the waterjet, started shaping them up with grinders, die grinders and flap discs last night. Hopefully Ill have them clean enough for nickel or paint by next week.

The bands with the sling loop will have material taken off them to slim the sling loop down a bit so they are rounded off and less likely to catch on stuff.

Also a pic of the leather butt protector I had a fella in calgary make me, I had it done locally cause Im a lefty and wanted the loops on the other side. I think once I get the new levers, barrel bands on with the leather it'll look almost as purty as one of the commemoratives, but Ill still be inclined to take it out and shoot it.

IMG_5724_zps753f1045.jpg


IMG_5725_zpsaeff3d7b.jpg


IMG_5728_zps38ff7b65.jpg


IMG_5730_zps17a7d38f.jpg


Thanks again Andrew for helping me post these!
 
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