Winchester 290

[runningstix]

I just picked one of these up and am trying to clean it up. Can anyone offer advice on how to get the forearm stock off? I was able to get the trigger assembly and bolt out, but cant figure out what to take off to release the forearm.

Thanks

[49willys]

Drive out the pin that holds the mag tube in,and the forearm slides right off.

[runningstix]

Thanks, got it. Required a little force, looks like the previous owner didn't clean too often.

Anyone happen to have some advice on how to achieve a tighter grip between the forearm and the magazine tube/ Barrel? There is a little slop between them. I was hoping a screw was involved so I could loctite it.

Generically its about a match stick width gap of slop.

[ThomasT]

A 190 was the first gun I bought many years ago. It developed the usual problem these guns are famous for. That is the barrel moving foward and misfires becoming common. The gap you see is from that happening to your gun.

Now that you have the forearm off you will see a nut that screws into the front of the reciever. Loosen it and tap the barrel back into the reciever. Now you can tighten the nut. Thats what I did. Several times.

If I would have known better I would have used locktite, epoxy or some other sealer the first time and would not have had to repair the gun over and over. Its a simple fix and will make the forearm tight against the reciever.

I sold my gun 20 years ago and regret it. I do see them at GSs and dealers and on GB. About half have the gap at the forearm. Does yours say it will short all 3 22rf sizes on the barrel? I can't remember if mine did. I only shot 22lr in mine anyway.

I also have the lever action version of this gun in 22 mag and sold by Sears as a model 5. IIRC winchester called it a model 255. I paid $48 OTD for mine from KMart about 1972.