Posted by Mike Poindexter on February 22, 2017, 4:48 pm
Guys: I have owned several LC Smiths over the years, but just recently joined the association. I just got a really nice 1903 2E with 32 inch barrels, but the left firing pin sticks. I have read the archived threads on the subject and am in a quandry. You can tap the pin in with a plastic screwdriver butt or mallet, and it slides back and forth in the bushing hole once unstuck, but my mistake was then putting in a pair of chrome snap caps to test fire the ejectors. Sure enough, the left pin is now stuck in the primer of the snap cap.. I pulled the forend off and the ejectors are cocked, I manually recocked the cocking levers and the top lever opens and bolt retracts and the gun opens about a 16th of an inch, but then the left firing pin hangs up. The gun won't open any further and the barrels will not come off. I pulled the sideplates and the right pin is loose in the hole, but the left pin is flush with the frame, stuck, and nowhere to get a purchase on it to pull it out. Cant get to the bushings because the action won't open enough. I've stood it up and tapped the left bolster gently with a plastic mallet, but no luck. I guess I will stand it on the muzzles and put a drop of penetrating oil on the pin and tap it gently then let it sit for a day or so. Any other suggestions short of trying to force it open and possibly breaking the pin or otherwise damaging it? I am not good enough to try and remove the stock, but not sure that would help anyway. Thanks for any assistance.