Thread: Winchester Model 74 22 Short

I was recently gifted one of these from my dad, So I am kind of embarrassed to ask but it's not something I have seen before. I downloaded a video on how to clean it properly and have done so, How do you load this thing there is what appears to be a cartridge tube that inserts to the butt of the stock , but there is also on the side of the stalk where it looks like shells could have been fed?!?! or possibly ejected cartridge's .. any info appreciated, I looked for a pdf for a manual but was not able to find one, Thanks All

Looking at the video I found on youtube, I would just pull the mag tube out of the back of the stock load them through the hole in the side of the stock. I imagine that once you get enough rounds in so that they are visible through the hole, you are full. then just put the mag tube back in. I have Nylon 66 that loads this way, sans the hole in the side of the stock. It can be a bit of pain to get the tube back in as it likes to catch the rims of the shells. You just have to work it around a little bit and you can get it back together.

Hey thanks so much for the reply , that had occurred to me as well, but was a lil sketch to try it, Thanks again!

Same with some of the old Mossbergs, loads like an old Spencer rifle.

oh and I forgot to add, old winchester rifles are awesome. I love them. They just built solid, functional guns that last forever. Some of my favorites to shoot are winnies. And getting them cheap or for free makes them even better.

Originally Posted by The Cheese

oh and I forgot to add, old winchester rifles are awesome. I love them. They just built solid, functional guns that last forever. Some of my favorites to shoot are winnies. And getting them cheap or for free makes them even better.

No Doubt I have a feeling this is a really solid little rifle, and getting it from my dad makes it very special.

I took this rifle out this weekend, and it did okay, but had some problems with ejecting,I was able to remove the spent cartridge but there is a round stuck. so I think I need it cleaned professionally and checked out, if anyone knows a qualified gunsmith that would charge a reasonable price let me know.