Older Gun With Newer Ammo: A Centerfire Winchester 1866

Published on October 19, 2022
Duration: 6:47

This guide details the process of converting a Winchester 1866 rifle from rimfire to centerfire ammunition. It involves modifying the bolt and firing pin mechanism to accommodate the new cartridge type. The video highlights the technical aspects of this conversion, emphasizing the need for precise gunsmithing. Instruction is provided by Ian McCollum, demonstrating high expertise in historical firearms.

Quick Summary

The Winchester 1866 was converted from rimfire to centerfire by modifying the bolt face for a single firing pin and replacing the dual pins. This conversion offers advantages like ammunition reloadability and availability, making the rifle more practical. Factory conversions generally start around serial number 140,000.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Winchester 1866
  2. 01:00Transition to Centerfire Ammunition
  3. 02:22Serial Numbers and Conversion Identification
  4. 03:10Firing Pin Mechanics Explained
  5. 04:01Internal Toggle-Lock Action
  6. 05:45Brazilian Contract History

Frequently Asked Questions

How was the Winchester 1866 converted from rimfire to centerfire ammunition?

The conversion primarily involved modifying the bolt face to accept a single, central firing pin and replacing the original dual firing pins with this new configuration. This allowed the rifle to safely and reliably fire centerfire cartridges.

What are the advantages of a centerfire conversion for a Winchester 1866?

The main advantage is the ability to use centerfire ammunition, which is generally more available and offers the crucial benefit of reloadability, making it more practical for continued use or historical reenactment.

How can one identify a factory centerfire conversion on a Winchester 1866?

Factory centerfire conversions typically start appearing in the Winchester 1866 serial number range of 140,000 and above. Rifles with lower serial numbers are more likely to be gunsmith conversions if they are centerfire.

What historical significance does the Brazilian contract hold for the Winchester 1866?

Brazil ordered 1,020 centerfire Winchester 1866 rifles in the 1890s, specifically requesting centerfire to match their Nagant revolvers. This highlights the model's continued military relevance and adaptability.

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