I believe I have a 1894 that will not fire consistently

[jbscott]

So I bought this what I believe to be a model 1894. S/N 106955
It will only fire both shells once out of every ten. It hits the primer but you have to shoot it twice to make the primer go off. Any ideas on how to fix this?

[dieNusse1]

Your '94 was produced in 1898. I would check to see if the main springs are in good shape. Firing problems can usually be traced to weak or broken springs. Another area to check to see if the action is gummed up with old oil and dirt. Fortunately when checking the springs you'll see whether or not the action is dirty.

Initially the '94 was supplied only with Damascus barrels. Remington steel barrels were offered beginning in '97 I believe. Yours appears to have Remington steel barrels.

Also, the forehand wood appears to be a replacement as it seems to be square in the front while the original would be rounded and follow the curve of the metal fixture.

[Researcher]

Looks like an AE-Grade with Damascus barrels to me, and built on the somewhat more scarce "bridge frame." I sure see Damascus pattern in the large picture of the markings on the bottom of the barrel tubes. Both the stock and the forearm look like a home made restocking job and nearly every screw on the gun is damaged. Taking it apart sure won't hurt it any more. Looks like a gun that has been out there having adventures, not sitting in the closet.

[paul harm]

I could be wrong, but the piece of metal near the back of the forearm normally isn't there on a original forearm.

[Tamid]

What is a bridge frame and how would I identify it?

[dieNusse1]

Ah, a bridge frame. It's called that when the lug recess on the action body is milled with a "bridge". The bridge is the ~ 1/2" x 3/8" piece of steel that remains and is athwart the lug recess located at about the middle of the S/N. In your case it seems to have a V stamped on the "bridge".

BTW - How did your firing problem work out?

[AZMike]

Gummed up or broken firing pin/s. I'd electrolysis clean the works, maybe get help to change pins.
Here in redneck land we have what are affectionately known as "truck guns"-- no worries, just shooters!

[dieNusse1]

My error. Maybe that's an A stamped on the bridge. Usually the grade is stamped on the water table opposite the S/N but it appears to be stamped on the bridge in this case.

[dieNusse1]

From what I can see, your firing pins extend far enough out of the bolster face to make good contact with primers. These guns were equipped with one piece hammers/firing pins until about 1904 or 1905 as memory serves. At that time floating firing pins were introduced.

If you haven't done so as yet, I'd check the main springs.