12G Side X Side Firing Pin Removal

[maktayla 50]

Hi all

When it comes to the dismantling of a shotgun I am a relatively newcomer. I have spent nearly thirty years shooting air rifles and recently rifles and have a bit of knowledge when it comes to assembly and so on.

 

Over a 12 month ago I purchased a cheep Essex side by side shotgun. This has been a fantastic gun and I have had many days in the field with it. Recently, I was out in the field and about to take a shot at a crow when, click. The right hand side firing pin did not strike the primer. It stayed stuck.

 

I am trying to build up some knowledge when it comes to shotguns so please forgive me if I sound a bit dull.

I do believe the firing pins are held in by 'Discs'. These discs have two holes in them, which I dont have the tool to undo. It looks like someone has tried to remove these discs before and slightly disfigured these holes.

What I would like to know is:

1. Is this a gunsmith job?

2. If not, can the tool be purchased and where from?

3. If this can be done by myself, do the discs screw out or undo so far and then pull out. Will there be any kind of tension behind these dics whereby I could end up with a firing pin, spring and whatever else, shooting out???

3. Can parts, (firing pins, springs etc) still be purchased for an Essex side by side?

 

I have included some pics. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I do like this little gun.

 

Thanks

[paulus 26]

Basically there are two different types of double gun strikers, or firing pins: those common to boxlock guns that are integral with the hammer, and those common to sidelock guns that are a separate part, enclosed in the action body and struck by the hammer. The sidelock strikers are often held in the action by bushings or disks threaded into the breech face and are known as “disk-set strikers”. (As always with double guns there are no absolutes so there are boxlock guns with either disk-set or solid strikers and although I’ve not seen such,

 

 

Referring to Figure One, let’s define the various parts of a disk set striker assembly: on the extreme right is the three diameter striker or firing pin, below is the striker retaining screw and to the left is the striker disk with the firing pin retractor spring in place. For convenience we will call them firing pin, retaining screw, disk and spring.
Looking at the action body in Figure One it is easy to see one striker disk installed in the breech face and the threaded hole where one was removed to the right. In the lower fence the hole for the retaining screw is visible. Looking a bit closer at the removed disk you can see the hole in the threaded portion where the unthreaded end of the retaining screw locks it in place. Also note that the disk, spring and firing pin holes in the action body are drilled at the upward angle of the firing pin. The firing pin angle is most easily recognized by the angled face of the disk.
Figure Two shows the parts up close with three variations of disk removal tools. On the right are two screwdrivers ground to fit the pin holes at the correct spacing. Upper left shows an adjustable disk removal tool (available from Brownells Inc.) with an eccentric cam to vary the distance between the pins to fit different disks. Unfortunately the tool’s pins are too large to fit this particular disk. Any ‘smith versed in double gun repair will have many specially ground disk removal tools and be ready to make another when your odd-ball gun comes in the shop.

[maktayla 50]

Thank you so much Paulus. I did not expect such an informative reply. This has been a big help.

I am not at home at the time i'm replying to this, so yet again, please excuse me if i sound a bit dull.

 

I cannot remember seeing a retaining screw in the action of my gun. If this is the case am i right in assuming I should be able to just unscrew the disk in my gun, providing I have the tool.

 

Thankyou

[paulus 26]

Thank you so much Paulus. I did not expect such an informative reply. This has been a big help.

I am not at home at the time i'm replying to this, so yet again, please excuse me if i sound a bit dull.

 

I cannot remember seeing a retaining screw in the action of my gun. If this is the case am i right in assuming I should be able to just unscrew the disk in my gun, providing I have the tool.

 

Thankyou

yes, some have retaining screws some dont, either make a tool from an old chisel or try a pair of circlip pliers

[maktayla 50]

Once again Paulus, thankyou so much. The pics and everything you have written has been a great help. Let you know how I got on tomorrow.

 

Cheers

[Raptor8 0]

I Know it's an old string but thanks where its due Paulus. You've really helped me out also. Now to make some tools.