Texas progressive 12 ga shotgun press handle won't pull

[nstoolman1]

The name of the press is in the subject line. I see no model number just Texas reloaded on the tag.
Got a press for 10 dollars in the hope of reloading 12 ga. I knew the handle won't pull down but I figured the THR brain trust could help.
Is there a lock of some sort to prevent use? Does a shell need to be in the shell holder?
I am not new to rifle and handgun reloading but new to shot shells. I await your answer.
Thanks

 

[kudu]

I've never come across a Texas press. Pictures might help. I would liberally lube all pivot points with some penetrating oil and let set for a while then go through and work them as best you can, wipe down and use some regular oil.

 

[Steve in NC]

I Google it and found several pictures. Very similar to a MEC 600 single stage press. I'm guessing there isn't anything mechanical in the press that I locks it up without having a shell in it. It's a simple single stage. But, that is just a guess.
I'm thinking more along the lines on Kudo and this needs some TLC and lube. Wish we lived closer, I have rebuilt many old shotshell reloaders, but never a Texan brand.

Posting pics from several angles would help

Steve

 

[Hookeye]

Yup, proly a "Texan" press.

IIRC they were black, Pacific was blue and Herters brown.

 

[Kp321]

As already said, very similar to the MEC 600. Don’t think they had any type of lockout so probably just rust and gunk. I have not seen a Texan press since the mid 70‘s so it’s not exactly new.
I do remember that us MEC users bought Texan charge bars since they had replaceable bushings instead of having to replace the whole bar for different loads like MEC used. Other parts interchanged with MEC too, definitely a knock-off.