Winchester 1905 question

[horsefly]

Howdy from the new dude! I just found your board,and it's a dandy.I hope this is the right spot to ask a question,but remember I'm new.A friend was given a 1905 Winchester auto loader in .351 from an older family member,and he doesn't know how to load it,and has been asking me by email what the trick is to get it to chamber a shell.Have any of you had any dealings with these old guns.Any help would sure be welcomed.Thanks,Jerry.

 

[Chawbaccer]

I think that rod at the front of the fore-arm is what operates the action, just pull it back.

 

[jkingrph]

The rod in the fore-arm is the operating rod.

 

[McCall911]

If it's a Model 1905, then it's probably not a .351 Winchester Self-Loading, but the slightly less powerful .35 Winchester Self-Loading. The difference would be somewhat comparable to a .38 Special and a .357 Magnum handgun cartridge. If that's the case, I hope your friend has the right ammo.

As pointed out, that odd-looking rod thingy you're referring to is indeed the bolt mechanism. Holding the rifle pointed in a safe direction, you push it towards you to chamber the round.