Winchester 121 bolt disassembly help

Tuzo · June 20, 2013, 08:21 PM

Searched the internet for any information and instruction on disassembling the Winchester 121 bolt and found no useful results. This is a single shot bolt action .22. Bolt is out, firing pin and extractor are off, retaining circlips off, but no access to the striker spring, rod, etc., internal to the bolt body.

Thankful for any suggestions.

TATER · June 21, 2013, 10:50 AM

Does this help?
https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufac.../121-40272.htm

Tuzo · June 21, 2013, 12:09 PM

Thanks Tater.

Looked at Numrich's and other schematics but did not derive any insight about disassebling the bolt. Retaining ring has been removed and the striker head and striker guide are stuck. Soaking in Kroil overnight and this may help if these two parts are rusted together.

TATER · June 21, 2013, 06:05 PM

If I get a chance, I'll take mine down tonight and look at it. Years ago, I took
it apart because the safety was dropping with the bolt. But, I can't remember
having any problems..I do remember the rod is threaded at the head.

TATER · June 22, 2013, 01:15 PM

Yes, threaded. You will have to pull it back each time you come around or make a tool to pull it back as you unscrew it. sorry, I reread the first post, I had put you past this point, in my mind the guide was stuck in the head.

Tuzo · June 22, 2013, 05:20 PM

Tater, you and I are now qualified Winchester gunsmiths. Before I logged on I had a eureka moment, light bulb over my head, and a dazzling mental sunrise that resulted in demystification of the 121 bolt.

After trying various gentle approaches to disassemble the bolt I clamped the striker head and turned the bolt body clockwise. Sure enough, threads appeared. Turned the bolt body counter clockwise while pulling and compressing the striker spring and the threads began to disappear into the striker head. The more turns the less spring compression and turning effort. The striker rod and spring soon popped out, the bolt had been disassembled, and blue birds sang.

Thanks for your help and concern. We are now experts and, contrary to implication of the TV commercial, Holiday Inn Express was not needed.

Tuzo · June 22, 2013, 05:21 PM

What a great forum.

TATER · June 22, 2013, 05:53 PM

When back together, if the safety falls with the closing of the bolt, give the head another turn. Glad you figgered it out

June 20, 2013, 08:21 PM	#1
Tuzo Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 797	Winchester 121 bolt disassembly help Searched the internet for any information and instruction on disassembling the Winchester 121 bolt and found no useful results. This is a single shot bolt action .22. Bolt is out, firing pin and extractor are off, retaining circlips off, but no access to the striker spring, rod, etc., internal to the bolt body. Thankful for any suggestions.

June 21, 2013, 10:50 AM	#2
TATER Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2002 Location: Mississippi Posts: 963	Does this help? https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufac.../121-40272.htm

June 21, 2013, 12:09 PM	#3
Tuzo Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 797	Thanks Tater. Looked at Numrich's and other schematics but did not derive any insight about disassebling the bolt. Retaining ring has been removed and the striker head and striker guide are stuck. Soaking in Kroil overnight and this may help if these two parts are rusted together.

June 21, 2013, 06:05 PM	#4
TATER Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2002 Location: Mississippi Posts: 963	If I get a chance, I'll take mine down tonight and look at it. Years ago, I took it apart because the safety was dropping with the bolt. But, I can't remember having any problems..I do remember the rod is threaded at the head.

June 22, 2013, 01:15 PM	#5
TATER Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2002 Location: Mississippi Posts: 963	Yes, threaded. You will have to pull it back each time you come around or make a tool to pull it back as you unscrew it. sorry, I reread the first post, I had put you past this point, in my mind the guide was stuck in the head.

June 22, 2013, 05:20 PM	#6
Tuzo Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 797	Tater, you and I are now qualified Winchester gunsmiths. Before I logged on I had a eureka moment, light bulb over my head, and a dazzling mental sunrise that resulted in demystification of the 121 bolt. After trying various gentle approaches to disassemble the bolt I clamped the striker head and turned the bolt body clockwise. Sure enough, threads appeared. Turned the bolt body counter clockwise while pulling and compressing the striker spring and the threads began to disappear into the striker head. The more turns the less spring compression and turning effort. The striker rod and spring soon popped out, the bolt had been disassembled, and blue birds sang. Thanks for your help and concern. We are now experts and, contrary to implication of the TV commercial, Holiday Inn Express was not needed.

June 22, 2013, 05:21 PM	#7
Tuzo Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 797	What a great forum.

June 22, 2013, 05:53 PM	#8
TATER Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2002 Location: Mississippi Posts: 963	When back together, if the safety falls with the closing of the bolt, give the head another turn. Glad you figgered it out