Reader Forum

Weatherby Orion I have a Weatherby Orion (Japanese version) in my shop and have searched for complete disassembly instructions in this over/under shotgun but have very little information on it. The owner has said that the shotgun unlocks after about twenty shots and I’m trying to diagnose why. I have talked to SKB shotguns (the parts distributor for this shotgun) and they recognized the problem, stating it could be the top lever spring (I’ve already purchased a replacement) or the cross bolt needing to be peened.

Replacing the spring does not seem to be too difficult to change out but I’m not sure how to access the cross bolt. Any information on this shotgun or how to address this issue would be appreciated. Tom Henson Henson Gun Repair, LLC Mark Hollensen (BenchMarkPerformanceServices.com) responds. I don’t have anything to help other than the attached schematic which should help. Go slow, photograph each part as it’s removed, and keep good notes going along. This is how I tackle difficult projects in my shop.

Aperture Sights I just finished reading American Gunsmith November 2023 and to my great surprise on the last page is a very small mention about rimfire aperture sights. I don’t know very much about the particular sights referenced as I don’t have a copy of the June 2023 issue would like more information about aperture sights in general. I own three Anschütz .22 caliber rimfire rifles. Can you send me some information on where I can buy parts and if possible any books on the subject?

I normally these rifles with a high-powered scope (up to 36 power) and can routinely hold 30 rounds in one hole. I normally shoot at 50 yards and sometimes at 100 with this type of set up but would like to give iron sights a try. Bantle "Butch" Green Edgewater, FL "Rimfire Rifle Aperture Sights" by Glen Calvert (June 2023) is an overview of Tech-Sights (Tech- Sights.com, for the Ruger 10/22 and Savage B22 along with a how-to on making your own sights similar to these from scratch.

I’ve sent you a copy of that article as it will serve as a guide to get you started on making similar units for your Anschütz rifles. If you’re interested in pre-made commercial options, Anschütz North America AnschutzNorthAmerica.com), Freelands Sports FreelandsSports.com), and Midwest Gun Works MidwestGunWorks.com) list many Anschütz sight options for sale.

Kleinguenther parts I need a Kleinguenther K15 rifle firing pin and have already looked on e Bay, Numrich, and Jack First. I know I can make one if one is not available as a last resort. Kenneth W. Wright Author Charlie Briggs responds. My research finds three potential sources, all in Texas. KDF Guns (KDFguns.com, 800/ KDF-GUNS, KDF Inc., 2485 N State Hwy 46, Seguin, TX 78155).

Klienguenther Firearms Seguin, TX 78155, On Point Arms & Ammo (4168 US- 90 ALT, Seguin, TX 78155, Lastly, some additional research indicates that Mauser 98 or Voere rifle firing pins may solve the problem. Otherwise, it looks like making one would be worth the trouble for this fine rifle. 1886 Winchester I recently purchased an 1886 Winchester take down in 33 WCF.

This one is a shooter as the previous owner chiseled his name on the barrel and the receiver In addition to refinishing, I’d like to build a second barrel in 45-70. I have located everything except the receiver extension. Are these available? My next option is to machine one. I have disassembled the barrel set to the barrel and the extension but am reluctant to go further as I couldn’t locate information on removing this extension.

Also, there were three screws that threaded into the extension and their purpose eludes me. The Winchester Model 1886 lever-action repeating rifle by John Browning was designed to handle some of the more powerful cartridges of the period, such as 45-70 Government, 45- 90 WCF, and 40-82 WCF. Originally designed for use with black powder, the action was strong enough to make the jump to smokeless powder and was subsequently chambered in the smokeless 33 WCF in 1903.

Before you consider making your own, Homestead Parts (Homestead Parts. com, and Midwest Gun Works (MidwestGunWorks.com, list parts for the Winchester Model 1886. Turnbull Restoration (TurnbullRestoration.com, does custom work on the Model 1886 take-down and e Bay also lists used parts. Protecting Gun Wood I’ve read with some interest your tracks on soaked autoloaders. What worries does the two-holer have?

It seems to me the firearm industry does a great job on finishing the outside/visible parts of wood, but really spare the glue when it comes to the inside of the forearm and other places where the wood meets the metal. My older guns show evidence of soaking through the end grain either by moisture or cleaning liquids. Lately I’ve had my gunsmith apply his witches brew to both ends of the stock when he installs recoil pads. What about the forend, etc.?

Trent You mention soaking through at the stock due to moisture or cleaning liquids. It is probably not water as that evaporates quite quickly (though water causes other obvious problems) nor normal cleaning liquids. What you have sounds like good old gun oil. Half the oil soaking problem can be solved by trying to keep the oil out of the wood in the first place.

When I get anew O/U, I always take the stock and forend off and apply several coats of Hoppe’s (different company) tung oil or Birchwood Casey’s Tru-Oil to the inside of the forend and the end grains of the stock, paying particular attention to the head of the stock where it mates with the receiver and inside that area. When I store my shotguns in the safe, I always store them muzzle DOWN. This keep any errant oil out of the head of the stock where it does the most damage.

When I clean my guns, I try never to get too much oil on the metal so as to prevent its running down and soaking into things. Oil is always best applied sparingly. As you have found, if you do oil soak some wood, gunsmiths can use an absorbent powder marketed by Brownells to leech the oil out. Still, it is better to avoid soaking in the first place by applying some Tru-Oil. AG Allen Cooper