H&R Topper Ejection Issues / How do I remove the ejector?

[Blackwolf]

Having to ask how to do this is a little embarassing...

I've got an old Topper Model 58 20ga. It won't eject most spent shells. It was dirty as heck when I got it, so I decided to take the ejector out and clean it... but I don't know how. I tried googling it, but my google-fu must be weak, because I couldn't find what I needed.

In addition to how to remove the ejector, any other things that I could do to improve reliability would be appreciated. I'm going to polish the chamber while I wait for this thread to update.

Thanks!

 

[rcmodel]

Here is a schematic & parts list.

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Products.aspx?catid=8085

Click on the red starburst in the upper right for a printable version.

It appears the ejector is held in by a cross-pin.

rc

 

[Blackwolf]

Thank you, rcmodel. I drifted the pin and removed the ejector and spring. The gun now ejects flawlessly.

I'm having a new problem now, though. After I re-assembled it I dry fired it once, then loaded it up to shoot. The first shot was flawless. The second shell didn't fire; light primer-strike. I took the gun inside and tested the firing pin by putting a piece of tape over a spent shell and dry-firing into the tape. It was a nice, strong strike.

I tested the gun again: third shot, flawless. Fourth shot, light primer-strike.
I fired it about half-a-dozen times before today, and it always fired flawlessly. Could messing with the ejector have jacked up the whole system somehow?

I've packed it up for today, until I can remedy this new problem.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[Noah]

I recall reading a lot of places, including the gun's manual, I think, to never ever dry fire an H&R Single Shot.

http://www.hr1871.com/documents/manuals/HR_NEF_PARDNER_SHOTGUN_MANUAL.pdf


Yep, right there on Page 2: "NOTICE: This firearm should never be dry fired, as damage could occur to the barrel and/or firing pin."

 

[Blackwolf]

Live and learn, I guess. I bought it used for $50 and never even thought about getting the manual for it online. Mine is an older model, though. It doesn't have a transfer bar.

Could 1 dry fire have damaged it? Everything feels exactly the same as before. The firing pin protrudes the same length from the bolt face when I press on the back of it, the hammer spring is just as heavy as before...

I also don't get why it would fire then mis-fire, fire then mis-fire.

Oh well. If nothing else I'll use that schematic from Numrich to completely gut the thing and figure out what I messed up. I've never messed with the guts before, so it'll be good experience! And I happen to know several good gunsmiths in case I mess need assistance.