Encore opening problem

[Tim Price]

I just got a new MGM barrel in 357 mag--barrel length.  About 20% of the time the rifle is difficult to open.  I have noticed that when this happens that  the firing pin has not rebounded.  If I move the little button under the hammer rearward (firing pin) with a screwdriver then the action is very easy to open.  Has anyone had this problem before?  Any suggestions on fixes that I can do at home?

Thank you,

Tim
 

[Qualitymilk]

I would check the barrel locking lugs/lockup spring.  Sounds like the fit is too tight, and it may be rubbing on the firing pin bushing (black circle around pin) and you may have to lathe a bit of material off the lugs to make it fit better/shoot more accurately.  Maybe this is a place to start......

[scratcherky]

Either your firing pin is dirty from firing as a muzzle loader or you have damaged the firing pin return spring by dryfiring.

[Grumulkin]

Or, the loads you're using are of too high a pressure.

[bubba]

or the barrel is not fitted right.  do other barrels lock up corectly? 

[Tim Price]

Range update.  I took the encore to the range and this time I tried factory 38 ammo.  It still has a problem opening about 30% of the time.  I changed barrels to a TC 45/70.  The firing pin is still sticking about the same amount of time.  Next, I took out the firing pin and looked it over.  The area was fairly clean. I didn't see any problems with the firing pin.   There was no big build-up or corrosion.  I suppose the next step is to switch out the firing pin from a working encore and then the firing pin spring from another encore and see if I still have the problem.  More as this develops.  Thanks for your help.

Tim

[Hopalong7]

Tim, Call TC and tell them your problem.  I'd bet they'll send a new pin, spring and bushing in short order....free!