Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Winchester Collectors M88 Finger Lever problem

Hello… I was at the range today sighting in my M88, and I suddenly got pinched on my thumb. I looked down and saw that the finger lever was loose and the spring was exposed. The pin seemed to have moved some as well. Not being too familiar with the mechanism, I called it a day. Any ideas what the possible problem is here? Is this something that I can tackle, or is it a gun smith job? I searched online but came up empty. Pictures linked below.

https://imgur.com/a/9mvVa4r

From what I can see in the picture it looks normal. The finger lever moves slightly, independently of the trigger guard, to unlock the mechanism. If you have some skin in the gap between the two when you lever it open, it’s gonna pinch. The lever is should be opened with the back of your fingers, not grasped like you’re cocking a Red Rider

Thanks for the reply! I didn’t notice the play in the finger lever before I got pinched. I’ll have to watch how I cycle it moving forward.

Is it normal for that pin to work its way forward/out? When I open the lever all the way, it can be pushed back into place.

I’m not sure how the pin is retained, parts diagram doesn’t show anything so if it’s a press fit maybe yours is worn?

Thanks again… I think I’ll get it looked at by a gunsmith. Now to find one that specializes in old lever actions!