Winchester 94-22 Question

[iceman106]

I recently acquired Winchester 94-22 used. It is in really good condition, except...

Receiver is really rough/sharp. I cut myself when I was rubbing cleaning rag inside the receiver because the edge is really sharp.

When I work the lever, my hand gets rubbed to the sharp loop and can see my skin getting frayed. Is this normal?

 

[Can-down]

Frayed skin is not normal..... you should see a doctor!



Jokes aside it sounds like your are describing sharp edges inside the receiver when cleaning?

And then the part about the sharp loop, are you referring to the loop of the lever itself? Sounds like you need to file it smooth with a stone or file?

I rarely take mine apart to clean the inside, but I would not be surprised if there was some sharp edges inside.

 

[Potashminer]

As above says - I had both a 94-22 and a 94-22 Magnum - same - when those internal action parts slide - is like a hone - going to make very sharp edges if stuff fits - if it is sloppy fit, not getting that sharp edge action. I think most Win Lever actions had the issue of sharp edges on the external operating lever - you can see on Internet various solutions to braid leather or paracord as "cushions" - I think the rawhide leather thing was like from 100 years ago or more. Some shooters may prefer to wear a snug fitting glove on their shooting hand, to protect that outside of their fingers.

As I recall - there was a largish take-down screw on left side of receiver - rifle pulled apart when that was removed - I do not recall having to stick my fingers into that action to clean it - you might find some instructions to take it down for cleaning in a book (Owners Manual) or on a You-Tube video.

 

[iceman106]

Frayed skin is not normal..... you should see a doctor!



Jokes aside it sounds like your are describing sharp edges inside the receiver when cleaning?

And then the part about the sharp loop, are you referring to the loop of the lever itself? Sounds like you need to file it smooth with a stone or file?

I rarely take mine apart to clean the inside, but I would not be surprised if there was some sharp edges inside.

I just have really thin skin

It's more like all the edges of metal is super sharp. Edge of receiver, disassembled BCG. Haven't seen anything like this but maybe just because this is old design?

But just find it odd that even the loop is hurting my hand, whereas I have Henry, Ruger-Marlin, Mossberg, S&W levers doing nothing similar.

 

[iceman106]

As above says - I had both a 94-22 and a 94-22 Magnum - same - when those internal action parts slide - is like a hone - going to make very sharp edges if stuff fits - if it is sloppy fit, not getting that sharp edge action. I think most Win Lever actions had the issue of sharp edges on the external operating lever - you can see on Internet various solutions to braid leather or paracord as "cushions" - I think the rawhide leather thing was like from 100 years ago or more. Some shooters may prefer to wear a snug fitting glove on their shooting hand, to protect that outside of their fingers.

As I recall - there was a largish take-down screw on left side of receiver - rifle pulled apart when that was removed - I do not recall having to stick my fingers into that action to clean it - you might find some instructions to take it down for cleaning in a book (Owners Manual) or on a You-Tube video.

I see, was doing a deep cleaning since I got it used, and while rubbing with a wet oilrag cut me like a razor!


I've actually wrapped the loop with hockey tape for now and it's fine now.

 

[Can-down]

Is your action nice and smooth Iceman? I also bought my early 70's 9422 used and it's super smooth and easy to cycle.
The loop of the lever is not sharp nor are there any sharp spots anywhere else on the exterior of the rifle.

 

[iceman106]

Is your action nice and smooth Iceman? I also bought my early 70's 9422 used and it's super smooth and easy to cycle.
The loop of the lever is not sharp nor are there any sharp spots anywhere else on the exterior of the rifle.

If I work it slow I do feel a little bit of 'bump' near the closing, but if I run it fast not noticable. I'm starting to think this one was made on a Friday!

It's sharp on:
Notch that takes barrel band screw at front
All the edges inside the receiver that touches BCG and action
All the corners disassembled BCG
All the corners on trigger guard/lever loop that I had to wrap with hockey tape to prevent fabric/skin damage

After first deep cleaning I'm just keeping internals wet with simple CLP wipe but just something I thought it was odd.

 

[Can-down]

It's pretty easy to break the sharp edges with fine file, stone or even emery cloth with a wood dowel and block.