Hello oldguncrazy,and congratulations on making the choice of preserving the old 1876 Winchester. If the firing pin floats that means all is well! When they are slick and a round is slammed home the primer will show a small mark SOME OF THE TIME. The first time I noticed this ,I sat up straight too! Yes Sir the trigger float is also normal. Have you tried adjusting the Main spring tension ? That may help. The 1876 Winchester is a ,as you know Very Large action and a good and well tuned one has a very positive feel when racked back and fore.Good luck on your project and I ,Hope you the Best ,,,,,,DT