doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com How do I fix dragging firing pins?

Rock:
Something to consider as you take this unnamed gun to a GOOD 'smith: Some of these actions incorporated small coil springs around the firing pins for retraction. Over the years, these tend to break under use. I've dealt with many. It's a simple fix for a good 'smith. If, indeed, that's the issue.

Best, Kensal

Rock:

I have no idea where your area is. However, geography may not be the best determinant for a "good gunsmith".

FWIW, I have had good luck with Turnbull Manufacturing Company. These folks do excellent work, they know what they are doing, and they "shoot straight with you".

As much as I hate to agree with the Brits [It only seems to encourage them! ;)] I have to generally agree with "the old ones" about preventive maintenance. Churchill recommended that a gun be sent back to the factory for service once a year. According to the folks at Turnbull, the service interval can be extended to two to three years unless about 20,000 rounds are fired or the gun is allowed to become wet before then.

Rock:
Although I generally restrain from contrary recommendations, especially if someone has had a satisfactory experience, but I'm afraid I cannot concur with Dingelfutz's suggestion.

In my opinion, anyone who sends a London best to the firm he mentions should be prepared for something less than the results he forecasts.

No offense to Mr. D intended. This is just based on my past personal experience and those of others. I'm sure the expectations of Mr. D were met.

Best, Kensal

Thanks for all your help and advice. I think we've pinpointed it to a broken (or missing) spring that retracts the firing pin after discharge. I'll try to get it fixed next time I find a competent smith.

Kensai Rise,

No offense taken. I'm sorry that your experiences apparently were not as positve as mine were.

One follow up question:

In ther intermediate period of shotgun development in the 1880s, did they make many guns without spring retracted firing pins? My gun has relieved areas on the extractor to gently coax back the pins without letting them bind to the point of snapping. Was this just a deluxe further assurance to protect the pins or was this in lieu of retractor springs or perhaps before their proliferation?

They didn't all have springs.