doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Drilling Cross-bolt Issues

I have been discussing a possible purchase of a Heym drilling with a seller. He indicated that Greener cross-bolt has come out of the gun, but he has it and the bolt itself does not appear to be broken anywhere. I cannot remember how the cross-bolt connects to the lever or how it is held inside the action. The rest of the gun is in very good condition and is being sold for a very reasonable price.

My concerns would be:

1. Is this an easy fix? I have never heard of such a thing happening before.

2. Could this be a sign that something within the action is drastically wrong and this could not be a repaired gun? I know that this is always a possibility, but is there a direct link?

3. Is there a good drilling smith in the U.S. or would I be able to send this 50's gun to Heym USA for repair?

4. Any idea on cost for such a repair at face value? I'm attempting to determine if this would end up being a good deal, or if I should walk.

Thank you for any insight!

I have seen it twice and I can't imagine how people manage to break them. The system is simple. The crossbolt has a slot and a flattened arm on the toplever fits into the slot. The arm just breaks somewhere along its length. I don't know who you can send it to but choose carefully. The gun probably locks up fine without it but it would be good to have a functional repair.

The crossbolt is probably not broken.
The small tit that actuates the cross bolt is probably broken off.
I've read it happens from the unfamiliar attempting disassembly.
Someone should be along to explain how it gets broken off, and what to do about it.

Yeah, the way it is retained is simple. And the only way it can come out is if something is broken or if the top lever is removed first.

Functionally, for normal use, the crossbolt is not required. It does nothing but act as a final measure of safety in the event that the other two bolting points fail.

If you like the gun, us it as a negotiating point and buy it. Then look into getting it repaired if you like.

You should insist the seller have it repaired, and suggest he send it to New England Custom Guns or Doug Turnbull. There are others that can do the work, in a fine manner.
Mike

"IF" the crossbolt is properly fitted it is certainly more than just another hold down bolt. The "Primary" function of the cross bolt is not to hold the gun closed at all, but to provide axial support to the top of the action to prevent the standing breech from springing open under firing stress, Underbolts do not do this at all, they only hold the gun closed, a job which they handle quite efficiently. In fact Ala the win 21 & Parker Bros a single underbolt is quite sufficiently adequate to hold the gun closed. Holding the gun closed is not the major role of the cross bolt. Unfortunately just because they are present does not always mean they were properly fitted thus they may indeed be doing "Nothing at All". Normally the strength of the frame is quite sufficient to contain the thrusts of firing.

Yes. If he can't get it fixed I would pass and move on.

Thank you very much gentlemen. I believe the gun is a consignment piece and as the seller is not the actual owner I do not think I can require them to repair it prior to sale. They did offer it at $1400 with a Zeiss Diatal mounted on SEM. The gun is on a Dural frame and chambered in 16x16-7x57R. It is probably in about 90% condition.

Given that information, does anyone feel this to be a poor buy or is it still a good deal even with the need for repair?

Discuss the problem and estimated cost of repairs with either Mark Cromwell at New England Custom Gun, Paul Smith at Griffin & Howe, whoever the go-to person is at Turnbull, J. J. Perodeau, or some other knowledgeable gunsmith you would feel comfortable working with.

The gun as-is is defective and after-purchase repair costs should be included in the cost to you of acquiring it.

fallschirmjaeger,
It may be a good buy, even with needed repairs, if the identified problem is all. Check what a Zeiss Diatal and SEM alone would cost. I would buy it with right of return if other damages (ie to action) are present. The rod that runs from the selector to the one in the barrels that operate the rear sight may be a problem if someone has taken it apart and couldn't reassemble it. This particular rod can be hard to get back in, because it has a necessary bend that makes it only go in one way. Some people mistakenly straighten it.
Mike