Trigger won't reset - 12ga pump

T

tomwalshco

New member
I'm a shotgun newbie, but have an old JC Higgins 12ga pump that's at least 50 years old. I've shot it few times and it has run flawlessly.

Picked it up the other day to give it a wipe and a rubdown and noticed the trigger won't reset. Last time I shot it, it ran perfect.

It's like the trigger is not getting re-staged during/after the pump action and stays back in the fired position. Tried every safety combination and it just stays there. Did I do something while poking around with a rag and a dowel?

Cycled some dummy shells - no go....
 
Does it have a whole trigger group that comes out? oil may help. Dont try disassembling the trigger mechanism, that could get you in trouble if you dont know what you are doing because triggers are hard to put back together usually.
 
Here's the trigger parts diagram I cropped from a 1949 owners manual. Any hints where I should be looking?
 

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I'd plop the whole trigger plate assembly into a container of solvent for a bit- hot water with dish soap, or something that won't attack aluminum (Purple K or Simple Green might not be aluminum friendly). Maybe kerosene or diesel fuel, used with proper precautions. Sounds as if the trigger or trigger return spring is gummed up. Old gun = old oil, and sometimes that's a culprit.

After it soaks for a while, rinse it out with hot water and shake/blow it out gently with compressed air if you used soapy water for a soak. If you used a petroleum based solvent, let it drip out then blow it out gently with compressed air. Then re-lube with a light penetrating oil throughout.

If that doesn't fix it, it might be you have a mechanical problem.

lpl
 
Also clean the bolt and associated parts and grooves...

If gummed up the items may not smoothly re-engage.

Sounds gummed up some where to me...
Brent
 
That was the ticket, fellas. Hot, soapy water for about 1/2 hour. I thought somebody had been in the altar wine already this morning when I first read it. Had my finger in the wrong place as it freed up. Man that hammer packs a wallop. Lots of tar and goop was loaded up in there. After the soak, blasted with 50# of air, did the hair dryer thing for a few minutes and dowsed with CLP at the end and wiped her down.

I was just amazed at the workmanship and the tolerances on this thing after 50+ years. And it was probably a $50 gun brand new. My research tells me High Standard made it for Sears.

I'm a handgun guy and Kimbers and Glocks don't fit together like this old thing.

Thanks a million.
 
Tom,

Those are great old guns, and IMHO are the slickest pumpgun ever made. They have a steel receiver and the tilting bolt style lockup like the Model 12 Winchester, and the elevated 'open bottom' carrier that so many Mossberg fans love so much. I usually joke with 'em that the High Standard/JC Higgins is what Mossbergs want to be when they grow up. :D

I have one High Standard riot gun, and a couple of old JC Higgins Model 20s I bought cheap. They've all been field stripped and cleaned, and with any one of 'em you can point the muzzle up, hit the action release and the bolt will slide all the way back just from gravity.

Rock Island looks to be importing a revised model from the Philippines as the M5, I'd like to see one without having to order it just to make sure it is what I think it is. But it sure looks like an old High Standard riot gun, outfitted with an extra action bar. See http://www.centerfiresystems.com/rockislandm5tactical12gashotgunpartac-sgn-m5.aspx for pictures.

Glad you're taking good care of your Cinderella,

lpl
 
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