Mr. Steele:
I have noticed the variations of the dovetail location in the past, which is one of the reasons I wanted to check the Campbell books to see if there was a reproduction of a Winchester print. The other reason is that I could not remember the dimension... <g>
I think there is a significant variation in the springs. I have a couple three extras around and can usually swap them around until I find one that times the action properly. If not, I use your method of elongating the screw hole.
BTW, I may have stumbled on a way to get a genuine good trigger on the Winchester. I have one in the works and we shall see when all the parts are hardened and set up properly. If it works I will be rich and famous, and there will be ticker tape parades and traveling minstrels singing ballads about it all.
Thanks!
Glenn