I recently acquired a pre '64 Winchester 1894 in .30-30. I wanted to remove the forend and magazine tube to make sure it was not rusting under the wood line. I was able to remove the parts, but now I cannot get them back together. It seems like the screws will not line up through the barrel band that holds the stock to the barrel, through barrel band that holds the magazine tube to the barrel, and even the screw that holds magazine tube cap in place and also fits into a hole in the barrel will not line up.
My suspicion is that the magazine tube is not sitting down into the receiver far enough for one, but I can't for the life of me figure out why. But even with the magazine tube removed, the rear most screw that goes through the barrel band that holds the forend to the barrel will not properly align and the screw will not seat.
I am afraid to damage this rifle, so if I can't figure it out myself then I am going to have to take it a gunsmith. Any ideas on what may be causing it not to line up properly?
My suspicion is that the magazine tube is not sitting down into the receiver far enough for one, but I can't for the life of me figure out why. But even with the magazine tube removed, the rear most screw that goes through the barrel band that holds the forend to the barrel will not properly align and the screw will not seat.
I am afraid to damage this rifle, so if I can't figure it out myself then I am going to have to take it a gunsmith. Any ideas on what may be causing it not to line up properly?