Problems with Encore firing pin.

[lastivoryhunter]

Hi this is my first post, the site is really informative. I have shot an Encore 20 gauge for several years and have been real pleased with it. This year I purchased a used .50 muzzleloader as another complete rifle and although deadly on the range after each shot I would have to play around with the action to get it to open, even when only firing a primer. After checking it on my old action and it working fine I noticed the hole in the primer from the firing pin looking ratty. T.C. Service was great sent a new pin and spring right away at no charge. I was able to shoot about 50 rounds without any problem but now the action is starting to stick again. I am real careful about cleaning and lightly oiling the pin. Has anyone experienced this as a recurring problem? To me it looks like the primer is indented pretty deep and that the pin gets hung up. I am using CCI inline primers, 100grains of Triple 7 FFG, and a 295grain powerbelt. Also is there a way to be able to cock the hammer with the barrel off to access the pin easier. I do also have a hammer spur installed but I do not think that should cause this. Thanks.   

[scratcherky]

You probably have blowback from the primers when using the ML barrel. I had that problem after firing only 2 Remington 209 BP primers and it completely locked up the firing pin. I switched to 777 209 primers and that alleviated the problem. You can cock the action w/o a barrel on by using a screwdriver to push the interlock back and at the same time cocking the hammer. The interlock is located inside the frame on the right side. It is the piece the barrel bolts push against when you close the gun. As far as the hammer extension is concerned, I suggest getting rid of it. It is a well known source of problems on the Encore. Another thing that will damage the firing pin spring is dryfiring-- don't even think about doing it.

[pozoutdoors]

I've had it happen a couple of times. I do use a heavier hammer spring!! I wouldn't use 777 primers they are really dirty and blow sh!! all over your scope and everything else. I use plain ol winchest 209!!! Good luck!!!

[scratcherky]

777 BP primers are clean compared to regular 209 shotshell primers. A heavier hammer spring has nothing to do with his problem. Maybe you should read his post before replying.

[ricktile66]

I have had the same problem with mine twice now.  I realized that the problem was blowback while using the muzzleloader barrel after the first time.  Since then I remove the firing pin and clean it after every muzzleloader range session but it still happened again.  I took one of the broken firing pins and shortened it and rounded the tip after the last break.  I have been using the 777 primers after the first time and they are significantly cleaner than the 209's.  I think the 209's are a softer primer than the rifle primers and more prone to being punctured by the pin.  I haven't had a problem since making the shorter firing pin for the muzzleloader barrel.

[halfslow]

The advice about cleaning the firing pin and hole is excellent.
I was warned on this site about that potential problem when I first started using BP in cartridges also.

In the case of the firing pin puncturing the primer, is it possible that there is a tiny amount of fouling or crud getting in between the front of the removable plug and the shoulder inside the barrel where it is hard to see?
Even a few thousandths here would cause the firing pin to strike deeper into the primer.

[lastivoryhunter]

Thanks Halfslow, what you said about the plug meeting the shoulder makes sense, I bought the rifle used so I will give it a good cleaning in that area, I also got another new pin, spring, and and the pin bushing  from T.C. that looked a little corroded but what you noted would seem to be the only explanation of the pin going too deep.