To remove the barreled action from the stock you must remove the inner magazine tube located in the butt stock. With the bolt removed the barrel can be cleaned from the breech end with a cleaning rod or bore snake. This allows the bolt to be drawn out the rear of the receiver. The first step is to remove the bolt which is accomplished by pressing the “button” at the back of the receiver over sideways. In reality, field stripping the 74 for cleaning and inspection is very easy with only a couple of minor pitfalls to watch out for. There is also a brief section in one of the NRA books which shows an exploded diagram and basic take-down instructions. I do not own the Radocy manual so I cannot attest to it’s quality but it is about the only manual available for the Model 74. Again, let us know what you are specifically looking for and we will help.

The 74 is a great reliable semi-auto and is one of my favorites. Winchester supplied a warning card with new 74’s describing this issue. In all cases however DO NOT manually cock the bolt with the safety engaged! Doing so could possibly jam the bolt. If you are looking for other specific information we can probably answer it here, we just need to know your serial number (or approximate number) and if it is. If you are looking for a Winchester manual as supplied with the 74 they are available most of the time on eBay, either new or reproduction. If you are looking for a takedown and gunsmith guide, Radocy makes one for the 74. There will also be a 2 digit year date on the underside of the barrel near the receiver. If you would like to know the date the serial number was applied and it was born as a firearm you can contact the Cody Firearms Record Office as they have the polishing room records for when the serial number was applied for numbers 123349-736739. Yes, there are some sources for information depending upon exactly what type of information you are looking for. Does any know of a source for documentation? Although I am pretty good with searches, I have only located a parts diagram/blowup. Received a Model 74 rifle that has been in the family for several generations and am seeking documentation since we are unfamiliar with its care and feeding (other than do no dry fire it).

Winchester model 90 22 short firing pin