HELP !! won't Cock after bad Lock-up I tried everything I could think of HELP!

[Tommyt]

What did I break
I had a rifle stock on the frame and a New to me 204 ruger the frame locked up and I was able to cock it
I changed Both the stock to pistol grip and barrel to 357 Herrett(Herrett new to me) and the Gun won't lock so I take it apart and
push and touch every thing I can (Within the frame) with a small screw driver and I reinstall the barrel
It now locked but won't cock !
I repeat taking off barrel and grip and touching and looking ,I took the grip off thinking that Like the encore the screw did it ,I was wrong
this doesn't happen on contender but I checked
This time I go to my Bought New 7-30 waters I install it locks but won't cock!!!!
I put my 222 on it locks no COCK
I go back to 204 it locks sometimes never Cocks
where am I guys
besides High Blood Pressure and sugar helping CRS (really hurts me with forgetfulness), I'm spinning right now trying to figure what I did or what I forgot to do ??

Thanks
God Bless
Hope you all. had a Happy New Year
the year of the Obamo= Let us Pray  

[Tommyt]

Oops
 It's a cat sided older frame
 I had the easy open and new twist top trigger done years ago
Wish I didn't 

[Dezynco]

Sounds like your frame is exceptionally snug in the lock-up area where the locking lugs drop into the frame.  I've run across this with one of my Dad's frames, only one of his barrels would lock up AND cock.  This can be frustrating because, as you know, TC barrels and frames are supposed to interchange easily.

Make sure that the inside of the frame is clean and lightly oiled.  If there is a build up of gunk in there, it could prevent the lugs from engaging fully.

If that is not the problem, you'll need to polish the locking lugs on each barrel that you want to use, or refer the problem to Thompson Center.  Have them rework the lockup area so that there is a little more room in the frame for the lugs to engage.

Hope this gets you headed into the right direction.  I don't think you've done anything wrong, you're just unlucky and might need a slight repair.

[Tommyt]

Thank You Dezynco
If I'm reading right you think that my Problem is that the Barrels are not Locking up correctly ,stopping my hammer to Cock ,
 but why would all my barrels do this when a week or 3 ago they all but 1(new) locked up fine and shot Fine 
I am going to Scrub the Frame Tomorrow
and will repost the out come
Tom

[Steve P]

Has the adjustment screw on your trigger moved?  If you are not getting a lock up in your trigger group the hammer will not stay cocked?  Take out your trigger group and check your sear engagement. 

Just another thought....

Steve

[Lone Star]

Make sure that the inside of the frame is clean and lightly oiled....

Sorry, but this advice has been the cause of untold problems for Contender owners for decades.  "Lightly oiled" causes dirt, etc. to collect in the interlock mechanism and ties up many frames. 

RTFM - "Guard against malfunction and sludge build-up by using dry lubricant such as graphite on the internal parts.  Never use oils or grease on any internal parts."

.

[RWD]

will it cock with no grip attached to the frame at all?

Grip bolt may be a tad too long. This does happen.

[Tommyt]

Has the adjustment screw on your trigger moved?  If you are not getting a lock up in your trigger group the hammer will not stay cocked?  Take out your trigger group and check your sear engagement. 

Just another thought....

Steve

OK I'm not sure I can do this but I am a Trying Person so with GBO on my side I am going to Attempt to do just that and Maybe More
GB has a Post in the FAQ where he has a detailed Frame Dissected


OK CAN I DO THIS ??

Have YOU  ??

Do any of you recommend NO ?

Would anyone care to list Tricks to use when Dis assembling

Thanks
Tommyt

[Dezynco]

will it cock with no grip attached to the frame at all?

Grip bolt may be a tad too long. This does happen.

Make sure that you haven't lost the washer that goes on the draw bolt holding the grip onto the frame.  That would allow the bolt to go up into the frame too far, thus preventing the hammer from cocking.

[Steve P]

I have six frames and have seen every one of them in pieces on my bench (not all at one time!).  Taking out the trigger group is relatively simple.  Do some searches in this board and you will find many threads on the subject.  If you try to take the trigger itself out of the trigger group, take care you dont loose the trigger return spring and the cup that holds it in place.  They can disappear into thin air.   With the trigger group out, you can adjust the screw and play with sear engagement all you want.  Wont hurt it any.

Good luck,

Steve

[Tommyt]

OK guys
  Here is what I did ,I poured some gun Cleaner through the frame then some seltzer (yep soda water) then poured more Cleaner I finished it by Blow drying with a air gun.I did not use any Oil
  I know this is not the normal cleaning but I really didn't want to take it apart and loose or Break something
I think the Problem was the through bolt in the grip I put a few washers in and the grip is tight to the frame
  I think I must have lost the washer(s) and I over tightened it,  in doing so I pushed something up there but between cleaning ( the Tommyt Crazy  way) and pushing the plate that the lugs hit, I have fixed my problem
I think I should buy another frame just so I can Operate on it 

Thanks
Tommyt

[Steve P]

GREAT!!  Glad you got it fixed.  See how valuable this forum is!!  Not only did you learn what actually happened to your gun, you also have several other ideas on things to look for if this or something similar ever happens again. 

Aren't Contender shooters great??

Steve

[Dezynco]

Fantastic!  I'm glad you got it fixed!  The thought about "losing the washer" came to me like a bolt of lightening!

I bet you're a LOT more familiar with the workings of your Contender now!