The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
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Removing a stuck locking bolt

Posted by Daniel R. Simmons on January 20, 2020, 8:20 am

Getting ready to remove a rusted in locking bolt, trip, and trip spring from am LC FW. Looks like I can remove the carrier screw, top snap and carrier and knock the locking bolt out from the action front. Saving only the top lever since it is numbered to the gun. Suggestions? Thanx

Re: Removing a stuck locking bolt

Posted by David Williamson on January 20, 2020, 12:16 pm, in reply to "Removing a stuck locking bolt"

Daniel, if you could move the top lever so that the coupler attached to the top lever shaft is parallel to the shaft of the top lever, support the topside of the coupler and then turn the receiver upside down and try tapping out the top lever.
Usually the screw that holds the coupler to the top lever is peened and hard to remove. Sometimes part of the slot fractures and breaks off.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Re: Removing a stuck locking bolt

Posted by Daniel R. Simmons on January 20, 2020, 1:23 pm, in reply to "Re: Removing a stuck locking bolt"

The trip is rusted in place with the top lever out of battery. I think the carrier screw must come out; but neither it nor the carrier itself are in great condition, so no great loss; I will get out tool steel copies. I think then a stout brass pin punch will bring the lock bolt out and free the trip. Thanx much. Very interesting stuff!

Re: Removing a stuck locking bolt

Posted by Dan Wildhaber on January 20, 2020, 2:33 pm, in reply to "Re: Removing a stuck locking bolt"

Before you start beating on it, throw it in an electrolysis tank for a day or two. The rust will be gone

Re: Removing a stuck locking bolt

Posted by Daniel R. Simmons on January 20, 2020, 7:28 pm, in reply to "Re: Removing a stuck locking bolt"

That is a great idea. I have a coworker who is big into antique engines he is set up to remove rust by electrolysis. I will see if he can soak the action for me for a day or two. Thanx.

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