Won't take down

chris mckelvey · 11-03-2013, 07:22 PM

I have a 1911 vintage 16 ga double (Vulcan) which has operated fine for years. For some reason, upon attempting to take down and put in my short case, the barrels would not detach from the Frame. Everything looks fine, can't locate what is keeping the lug from detaching. Any 'tricks' to try? Advice? Thx - Chris in PA

edgarspencer · 11-03-2013, 07:29 PM

Your cocking hook is hanging up. Try squirting a bit of WD-40 on it, and open and close the gun a few times.

chris mckelvey · 11-03-2013, 07:35 PM

WD-40 soak for 24 hours - no joy. Squirted some Break Free in as well and let set for another 24 - same. Removed the extractors, checked forend extractor springs ... Barrel tilts fine but comes to a hard stop that appears to be 'early' .... Extractors barely clear the receiver.

edgarspencer · 11-03-2013, 07:41 PM

Then it sounds like the cocking slide isn't returning fully. Time for a good internal cleaning.

B. Dudley · 11-03-2013, 07:58 PM

Also try letting the hammers down and see if it will unhook then. Either way. Its time to get someone inside it to make sure all is clean and well.

Could be a weakeneing or broken unhooking slide spring.

chris mckelvey · 11-03-2013, 08:40 PM

Thanks for the feedback ... It "feels" like something is preventing it from breaking free, so a return spring would make sense. Never disassembled the action ... Is there a step-by-step walk through out there somewhere?

edgarspencer · 11-04-2013, 03:39 AM

Chris,
Brian Dudley wrote up a good pictorial takedown procedure. It's posted here somewhere (just like my glasses are here somewhere too)
The one thing everyone will tell you is to be certain you have a proper fitting set of screwdrivers.
To get to the cocking slide, you'll only need to take the trigger bow off and then the floor plate (Trigger Plate), which, often times is quite tightly seated to the frame. The fix for that is to take a dowel, or brass drift, and down through the top of the frame, between the water tables, tap it out.The fly in the ointment here is that the barrels need to be removed first. Hmmmm

Gunner · 11-04-2013, 09:29 AM

As Brian Dudley said.
Using snap caps pull the triggers and release the hammers. Open the action with fore end off and disassemble. This has usually worked for me when the barrels don't want to disengage.
Hope it works for you.
Best Regards,
Erick

chris mckelvey · 11-04-2013, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erick Dorr

As Brian Dudley said.
Using snap caps pull the triggers and release the hammers. Open the action with fore end off and disassemble. This has usually worked for me when the barrels don't want to disengage.
Hope it works for you.
Best Regards,
Erick

Erick ... Will try that and see what happens. Used snap caps the first few times but believe the forend was still on. Thx!

chris mckelvey · 11-04-2013, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

Chris,
Brian Dudley wrote up a good pictorial takedown procedure. It's posted here somewhere (just like my glasses are here somewhere too)
The one thing everyone will tell you is to be certain you have a proper fitting set of screwdrivers.
To get to the cocking slide, you'll only need to take the trigger bow off and then the floor plate (Trigger Plate), which, often times is quite tightly seated to the frame. The fix for that is to take a dowel, or brass drift, and down through the top of the frame, between the water tables, tap it out.The fly in the ointment here is that the barrels need to be removed first. Hmmmm

Roger the takedown steps .... I have good screwdrivers and patience, and respect enough that if I first don't succeed, get ahold of an expert!