1894 Winchester 32/40

[426wedge]

The rifle is in good shape, I cleaned it as well as I could with out dismantling anything. the bore looks good after running a brush thru it a few times. the rifling is noticeable. Action works smoothly. Hammer is smooth as well as the pin. the gate feels good when I load a couple rounds and eject fine. So, anyone have any advice before I shoot it? I do have a sled.

 

[whacko]

The rifle is in good shape, I cleaned it as well as I could with out dismantling anything. the bore looks good after running a brush thru it a few times. the rifling is noticeable. Action works smoothly. Hammer is smooth as well as the pin. the gate feels good when I load a couple rounds and eject fine. So, anyone have any advice before I shoot it? I do have a sled.

If you actually have ammo for it just shoot it. Where did you get a supply if 32 40?

 

[426wedge]

a guy in idaho makes it. Tad expensive.....

 

[HorizontalHunter]

Sounds like a beaut rifle.

 

[NavelOfficer]

There's one at M&B Sports, near Foxwoods, but no ammo for it.

 

[gerrycaruso]

When you say you have a sled do you mean a lead sled? You probably won't need it with a 32/40.

 

[cetme24]

He probably wants the lead sled for a few safety shots. Although just because there wasn’t a catastrophic failure for the first 5 rounds dosnt mean it won’t happen on the 6th. If it’s in truly good shape and the chamber is not heavily pitted I would just shoot it and not worry about the lead sled.

 

[gerrycaruso]

Since I already reload and brass is in stock, I'd make a mild cast bullet load and have plenty of inexpensive ammo.

 

[jct61765]

 

[426wedge]

When you say you have a sled do you mean a lead sled? You probably won't need it with a 32/40.

Maybe, but it is old, side of caution ,I guess

 

[gerrycaruso]

The only potential problem I see is corrosion from black powder. That's a possibility in an old rifle in that caliber. If the bore and chamber aren't rusted to shit, you should be good. If the bore doesn't look great, don't be discouraged. I have an 1873 made in 1889 that has a very rough bore. It still shoots hard cast lead very well.

 

[Tallahassee]

The rifle is in good shape, I cleaned it as well as I could with out dismantling anything. the bore looks good after running a brush thru it a few times. the rifling is noticeable. Action works smoothly. Hammer is smooth as well as the pin. the gate feels good when I load a couple rounds and eject fine. So, anyone have any advice before I shoot it? I do have a sled.

Fire away. I love all my old Winchesters. Congratulations.