.243 BLR misfiring

[Walt Sobchak]

Hello,

I've got a .243 BLR that I use for deer hunting. I've used it for 12 years and never had an issue, until now. This past weekend I sighted it in for the upcoming season and 2 times in a dozen shots the hammer only went up as far as the safety position and the gun didn't fire. Any ideas what may be causing this? I'd hate to have it happen with a big deer in the scope.

I can supply more info. if needed. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Walt

[gunnut69]

The only time I've seen this happen there was enough crud in the action that it interfered with the trigger/sear action.  This was not in a BLR but with the BLR's noteriety as being a bit difficult to strip and clean, that's what I would guess.  It may be just a twig or other obstruction..  The BLR uses a sear to hold the hammer in it's cocked position.  This sear  is disengaged by the action of the trigger which is pivoted in the swinging lever.  If something blocks or obstructs the motion of the sear it will re-engage the hammer and be cought by the safety notch..  Usually I'd say just strip and clean but the BLR can be a pain to reassemble and get the bolt timing correct.  Take it to a smith and have it cleaned..  Good hunting!

[Walt Sobchak]

Thanks, I think I'll take your advice.