Model 12 action inoperable (stuck in closed position)

[Doug B.]

Grabbed my Winchester Model 12 from my gun case the other day and as I always do I attempted to open the action....stuck in the closed position. Action release button won't push in either. Should not be any rust and no I DO NOT use wd-40. I am 99.9% sure the firearm is safe as I always use a snap cap in it. None-the-less the muzzle WILL be pointed in a safe direction!

Any suggestions/opinions or should I be planning on a trip to my gunsmith?

Thanks!

 

[Jim K]

Barring some damage, the most common cause of what you describe is that grease or oil has hardened in the action. That is because the gun sat for a long time without being used.

I recommend a product called G96 Gun Treatment, which is a penetrant that will loosen old oil or grease but won't gum up or do damage like WD-40 can. Turn the gun upside down and spray it into the action (not too much - you don't want to soak the wood) and let the gun sit for a while.

Jim

 

[slopemeno]

Try moving the forend foreward first, sort of a foreward-aft movement.

 

[Doug B.]

Try moving the forend foreward first, sort of a foreward-aft movement.

I tried this to no avail.

 

[rick_reno]

Try putting some pentrating oil around the release button. You should be able to get it to move without a lot of effort, and one you do it'll unlock the action.