Winchester Model 74

USMC Tanker · December 24, 2005, 05:50 PM

A friend of mine wants me to take a look at his Winchester Model 74 (approx 1939) and I was wondering if anyone had any operating manuals or disassembly/reassembly/maintenance manuals for this particular rifle. Or even if someone can explain to me how to do it, it'd be much appreciated. All I really need to know is how to break it down. THANKS!

Jagermeister · December 25, 2005, 06:07 AM

send me your email addy and I will send you a copy od the disassem w/photos:

hnolden@yahoo.com

JM

Rpriestlyjr · December 26, 2005, 11:09 AM

The Model 74 is incredibly simple to take down.
Just push the large pin at the rear of the receiver to one side and the bolt will slide out the rear.
everything is in your hands from there.
If the gun has the same problem mine had ( bolt stuck, won't fire, trigger seems stuck ) try this:
You may have difficulty removing the bolt, but she'll go.
Rotate the firing pin to find the 'sweet spot' whereas the action works smoothly. Firing pin removal may be necessary (just a couple of pins).
To check it, you can perform a function check with the bolt outside of the receiver. The lever on the bottom of the bolt is engaged by the trigger, and the bolt cocks and fires outside, too.
Once everything appears to be working fine, just slide the bolt back into the receiver. You will notice that it is much easier than removal.
Load the magazine and let her rip ( at a range, of course ).
It may take a bit of trial and error, but you'll find out what's up.
If parts are needed, try Numrich Arms at www.e-gunparts.com.
They have a complete parts breakdown and schematic, also.

Paul Richard Atkins · August 11, 2008, 10:43 AM

Thanks for the posted message. I am a gunsmith in England and was not sure how to strip it down as you say very simple. However, you have to know how.

Many thanks, Paul Akins of guncrafts.co.uk

wyldkard · June 3, 2009, 07:47 AM

I am in kind of the situation USMC Tanker is in except it is my Win.model 74.It first belonged to my grandfather,passed to my father,then to me.If you would be willing to email me the same info and photos as USMC Tanker I would very much appreciate it.I really want to keep this family heirloom so to speak in tip top condition,Thank you very much T.J. (wyldkard)

My email is majickman@rock.com

RICKJORDAN · November 29, 2009, 12:03 AM

I have found a Winchester 74 22 at apawn shop for 175.00 . It is in fair condition and it has a scope mounted on it. Did they have that option when new. Would like some feed back if possible. rickjordan@cox.net

rcmodel · November 29, 2009, 02:42 PM

No scope option when new.

I don't believe they were even offered with a grooved receiver for a Weaver tip-off mount before production ended in 1955.

If it is drilled & tapped for a Weaver or other side mount, someone drilled & tapped it later.

rc

RICKJORDAN · December 9, 2009, 12:37 PM

Does anyone know how rear a Winchester 74 22 short cal. only is and how much they would be worth.

BADSBSNF81 · December 9, 2009, 10:29 PM

Made 39-42, then 47-55 for a total of @ 130,000 made. Held 20 shorts, 16 long or 14 long rifle. No short onlys were made after WWII.

revsasquatch · December 31, 2009, 07:14 PM

I have a slightly different question. My little brother was cleaning my Model 74, and when he took the bolt out to swab the barrel, he squeezed the two ends together in his hands. Effectively, he has cocked the gun while it was dissasembled. I can't insert the bolt into the housing again to dry fire it, because the button that allows you to reinsert the bolt won't go down if the gun is cocked. Is there a way for me to manually decock the gun when the action is removed from the housing?

natman · December 31, 2009, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RICKJORDAN

Does anyone know how rear a Winchester 74 22 short cal. only is and how much they would be worth.

I assume you mean "rare". The 22 short only versions are early guns and command a slight premium over the later versions.

RICKJORDAN · January 3, 2010, 06:38 PM

I have a Winchester 74 22 short only , it does not eject the spent shell , stove piping every shell . Is there any help our there. Also are parts for the 22 short interchangeable with the 22 long. Thank You for any help.

d2wing · January 15, 2010, 09:46 PM

You also have to remove the loading tube at the rear of the rifle.

Marlin 45 carbine · January 16, 2010, 08:43 AM

rev it can be fired when out of the reciever but put it inside a box to squeeze the pin lock things may take a leap. wear safety glasses too.

CZguy · February 4, 2010, 10:41 PM

I'm working on one of these that has the charging handel broken off. I looked at Numrich but didn't see one listed. Does anyone have any ideas?

RICKJORDAN · February 7, 2010, 08:41 PM

I have a Winchester 74 and I was looking on ProofHouse.com to see what year it was made but it did not give me any help. The Serial #93757 was not listed. Can you help.

coop923 · February 8, 2010, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RICKJORDAN

I have a Winchester 74 and I was looking on ProofHouse.com to see what year it was made but it did not give me any help. The Serial #93757 was not listed. Can you help.

Looks like 1940. 1941 began with #114355.

Fun gun to shoot... always worried about losing the magazine tube when I carry it afield though.
-Mark

rcminze · April 30, 2010, 09:39 AM

Rick Check the the chamber if someone has been dry firing the rifle without a spent casing being a rim fire the firing pin may have nicked the edge of the chamber. If so the problem can be fixed by having the chamber rebored.

Rick, the Model 74 has a stamp date on the under side of the barrel of the rifle. You can find it by removing the screw on the under side of the stock seperating it from the barrel. You should fine a month and year stamped into the barrel; mine is stamped 7 49 meaning July 1949. Good luck. Ray

jffz0201 · January 31, 2012, 09:22 PM

I disassembled my Model 74 and the trigger spring fell out before i saw where it was. Does anyone have a diagram of the trigger assembly and spring, or can anyone tell me where it goes?

thanks

August 11, 2008, 10:43 AM	#4
Paul Richard Atkins Member Join Date: July 5, 2008 Posts: 1	Winchester 94 Thanks for the posted message. I am a gunsmith in England and was not sure how to strip it down as you say very simple. However, you have to know how. Many thanks, Paul Akins of guncrafts.co.uk

November 29, 2009, 12:03 AM	#6
RICKJORDAN Member Join Date: November 28, 2009 Posts: 4	Winchester 74 22 I have found a Winchester 74 22 at apawn shop for 175.00 . It is in fair condition and it has a scope mounted on it. Did they have that option when new. Would like some feed back if possible. rickjordan@cox.net

November 29, 2009, 02:42 PM	#7
rcmodel Member Join Date: September 17, 2007 Location: Eastern KS Posts: 30,537	No scope option when new. I don't believe they were even offered with a grooved receiver for a Weaver tip-off mount before production ended in 1955. If it is drilled & tapped for a Weaver or other side mount, someone drilled & tapped it later. rc __________________ Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Or all your primers in a glass jar!

December 9, 2009, 12:37 PM	#8
RICKJORDAN Member Join Date: November 28, 2009 Posts: 4	Winchester 74 22 short only Does anyone know how rear a Winchester 74 22 short cal. only is and how much they would be worth.

February 4, 2010, 10:41 PM	#15
CZguy Member Join Date: March 25, 2004 Location: Missouri Posts: 3,109	I'm working on one of these that has the charging handel broken off. I looked at Numrich but didn't see one listed. Does anyone have any ideas? __________________ "When one engine fails on a twin-engine airplane you always have enough power left to get you to the scene of the crash." "Directions to heaven. Turn right, and go straight."

December 24, 2005, 05:50 PM	#1
USMC Tanker Member Join Date: November 19, 2005 Posts: 262	Winchester Model 74 A friend of mine wants me to take a look at his Winchester Model 74 (approx 1939) and I was wondering if anyone had any operating manuals or disassembly/reassembly/maintenance manuals for this particular rifle. Or even if someone can explain to me how to do it, it'd be much appreciated. All I really need to know is how to break it down. THANKS!

December 25, 2005, 06:07 AM	#2
Jagermeister Moderator Emeritus Join Date: December 23, 2002 Location: Brunswick GA Posts: 371	send me your email addy and I will send you a copy od the disassem w/photos: hnolden@yahoo.com JM

December 26, 2005, 11:09 AM	#3
Rpriestlyjr Member Join Date: December 26, 2005 Posts: 125	The Model 74 is incredibly simple to take down. Just push the large pin at the rear of the receiver to one side and the bolt will slide out the rear. everything is in your hands from there. If the gun has the same problem mine had ( bolt stuck, won't fire, trigger seems stuck ) try this: You may have difficulty removing the bolt, but she'll go. Rotate the firing pin to find the 'sweet spot' whereas the action works smoothly. Firing pin removal may be necessary (just a couple of pins). To check it, you can perform a function check with the bolt outside of the receiver. The lever on the bottom of the bolt is engaged by the trigger, and the bolt cocks and fires outside, too. Once everything appears to be working fine, just slide the bolt back into the receiver. You will notice that it is much easier than removal. Load the magazine and let her rip ( at a range, of course ). It may take a bit of trial and error, but you'll find out what's up. If parts are needed, try Numrich Arms at www.e-gunparts.com. They have a complete parts breakdown and schematic, also.

June 3, 2009, 07:47 AM	#5
wyldkard Member Join Date: June 3, 2009 Posts: 1	I am in kind of the situation USMC Tanker is in except it is my Win.model 74.It first belonged to my grandfather,passed to my father,then to me.If you would be willing to email me the same info and photos as USMC Tanker I would very much appreciate it.I really want to keep this family heirloom so to speak in tip top condition,Thank you very much T.J. (wyldkard) My email is majickman@rock.com

December 9, 2009, 10:29 PM	#9
BADSBSNF81 Member Join Date: December 25, 2002 Location: Out where the buses don't run. Posts: 422	Made 39-42, then 47-55 for a total of @ 130,000 made. Held 20 shorts, 16 long or 14 long rifle. No short onlys were made after WWII. __________________ The Cold War wasn't that cold.

December 31, 2009, 07:14 PM	#10
revsasquatch Member Join Date: December 31, 2009 Posts: 1	I have a slightly different question. My little brother was cleaning my Model 74, and when he took the bolt out to swab the barrel, he squeezed the two ends together in his hands. Effectively, he has cocked the gun while it was dissasembled. I can't insert the bolt into the housing again to dry fire it, because the button that allows you to reinsert the bolt won't go down if the gun is cocked. Is there a way for me to manually decock the gun when the action is removed from the housing?

January 3, 2010, 06:38 PM	#12
RICKJORDAN Member Join Date: November 28, 2009 Posts: 4	I have a Winchester 74 22 short only , it does not eject the spent shell , stove piping every shell . Is there any help our there. Also are parts for the 22 short interchangeable with the 22 long. Thank You for any help.

January 15, 2010, 09:46 PM	#13
d2wing Member Join Date: November 10, 2008 Posts: 1,044	You also have to remove the loading tube at the rear of the rifle.

January 16, 2010, 08:43 AM	#14
Marlin 45 carbine Member Join Date: July 15, 2007 Location: South-Western North Carolina Posts: 2,249	rev it can be fired when out of the reciever but put it inside a box to squeeze the pin lock things may take a leap. wear safety glasses too.

February 7, 2010, 08:41 PM	#16
RICKJORDAN Member Join Date: November 28, 2009 Posts: 4	Winchester 74 I have a Winchester 74 and I was looking on ProofHouse.com to see what year it was made but it did not give me any help. The Serial #93757 was not listed. Can you help.

April 30, 2010, 09:39 AM	#18
rcminze Member Join Date: April 30, 2010 Posts: 2	Rick Check the the chamber if someone has been dry firing the rifle without a spent casing being a rim fire the firing pin may have nicked the edge of the chamber. If so the problem can be fixed by having the chamber rebored. Rick, the Model 74 has a stamp date on the under side of the barrel of the rifle. You can find it by removing the screw on the under side of the stock seperating it from the barrel. You should fine a month and year stamped into the barrel; mine is stamped 7 49 meaning July 1949. Good luck. Ray Last edited by rcminze; April 30, 2010 at 09:53 AM.

January 31, 2012, 09:22 PM	#19
jffz0201 Member Join Date: January 31, 2012 Posts: 1	I disassembled my Model 74 and the trigger spring fell out before i saw where it was. Does anyone have a diagram of the trigger assembly and spring, or can anyone tell me where it goes? thanks