Encore hinge pins and action tightening

[wallypedal]

I've got a SS Prohunter frame that I like a lot. Too much, maybe. I've driven the pin out, greased it up, and re-installed many times. I have shot some 'hot' loads without realizing how hot they were. I have 1x and 2x oversize pins, and use the 2x most often now. That situation is what triggered these questions.

• What rotates on your frame when the action is opened and closed? Does the pin rotate in the frame, or remain stationary in the frame and rotate in the lug? Mine rotates in the frame.
• What can you do when your frame seems to need oversize pins, but your barrel lugs do not?
• Have you ever done anything to tighten hinge pin fit in the frame? Or, is it even possible?'
• Does anyone use shims on the hinge pin between the frame and the lug? The pin I'm using now is a compromise, polished down from 2x slightly, to fit the lugs on the 3 barrels I shoot most often and still not be sloppy in the frame. The pin will move in the frame though, side to side. Today I made shims to go between lug and frame on both sides which take up most of the movement. Anxious to see what effect that may have. This rifle shoots pretty well in spite of the slop.

Just wondering what experience any of you may have had with this sort of thing. I've read everything out there, but have not seen these questions posed this way Thanks in advance!!
Wallypedal

[Keith L]

The Encore guys need to answer this.  I can speak for Contenders in my experience.  My oldest frame the pin fit is quite loose and it will fall out by its self if the action is open.  When closed it locks up tight.  And shoots well.  It didn't shoot any better with oversized pins, so I sold them.

Encore guys, what do you think?  Let Wallypedal know your experience.

[Hopalong7]

    Maybe I just don't shoot well enough to tell the difference, but I've never seen any performance change in my Contenders between a snug pin and one like Keith's that will fall out.  I only have one Encore pin(1993 vintage, I think) and it's still pretty snug so I really can't comment there.
Walt

[sportsman223]

I have both loose and tight on different frames, so i switched pins around and could not tell difference all lock up tight most guys including myself could not tell difference in groupings

[Grumulkin]

It's too bad you drank the oversized hinge pin cool aid.  I think too much is made of the hinge pin "issue."  For a tighter hinge pin that won't damage barrel or frame try:


http://www.eabco.com/store/thompson-center-arms/tc-encore/pro-hunter-barrel-pivot-hinge-pins/

[Flash]

I bought a used G2 handgun on which the original owner added an oversized pin. I literally have to drive it out its so tight so the pins pivot in the frame. Im not a firm believer in the pin theory since accuracy isn't effected by the lock up or lack there of. I prefer a close fit but not so tight that i need a brass mallet and pin punch to remove it. My Encore is a slip fit too and it satisfies me.

[wallypedal]

It's too bad you drank the oversized hinge pin cool aid.  I think too much is made of the hinge pin "issue."  For a tighter hinge pin that won't damage barrel or frame try:


http://www.eabco.com/store/thompson-center-arms/tc-encore/pro-hunter-barrel-pivot-hinge-pins/

• I resent the implication that I'm a cool aid drinking idiot. I've read and studied everything there is on these hinge pins and the Encore action.
• The only pin your Eabco friends sell that's of any interest is  the adjustable one made by T/C. Natchez sells it for $13.99, Eabco sells it for $21.00. Do YOU have any experience with it?  Opinions mean little to me.
• I posted because I was truly interested in others' experience on the four questions I asked. So far, no answers.
• The reason the hinge pin "issue" is still brought up is because many of us find it perplexing that this otherwise fine system has a common design/material/manufacturing flaw. Someone posted recently that they didn't understand why it has to be this way when their old Winchester model 37 single shot shotgun is absolutely tight after decades of use. I agree.
• Bashing a poster in the process of a smart-a$$ non-informational reply is not appreciated.

[Keith L]

Cool down folks and have a little sense of humor.  Lets try and disagree without being hostile.

[wallypedal]

Does anyone have/use the T/C adjustable hinge pin? I'm wondering more about how it works, as it is not obvious from the illustration..
Thanks in advance!!
Wallypedal