Help needed - firing pin in Haenel Jaeger 9

[Ben_4321]

Hi All,

Looking for a pointer somewhere to fix a problem with my Haenel Jaeger 9 (308).

Have had it for about a year and firing circa. 20 rounds through it, the rifle started to be difficult to close with a round in the chamber. Have now left it with two well known gun smiths and they didn't seem to have any ideas as to how to fix it.

On having another look today, I noticed that the firing pin is sitting proud of the "baseplate" and on giving it a bit of welly to close the gun on a case previously fired in another rifle, there is clearly a significant scratch mark from the firing pin (see attached). After having a quick look over there doesn't seem to be an obvious adjuster or way to change the "height" of the the firing pin so need some some help!

Have been recommended to use RWS ammo (which I have in the safe and know is preferred on these type of guns), but on trying to close the rifle on some spent RWS cases I'm having the exact same issue.

Gun closes perfectly fine when empty.

Any idea as to a gun smith that may be able to help near me (Berkshire area)?

Many thanks in advance!

Ben.

 

[8x57]

You say gunsmiths, but are they really gunsmiths or merely RFDs?
Seems strange that a gunsmith can't resolve your problem.

 

[Ben_4321]

You say gunsmiths, but are they really gunsmiths or merely RFDs?
Seems strange that a gunsmith can't resolve your problem.

I drop into Bisley fairly regularly so was two from there - William Evans (sent off to their gunsmith to have a look) and Fulton's.

Both had a look but ultimately said they couldn't help.

Doesn't seem like the biggest job - but maybe as they are just too busy to deal with a small job on a gun type they don't have a lot of experience with...

 

[8x57]

On having another look today, I noticed that the firing pin is sitting proud of the "baseplate" and on giving it a bit of welly to close the gun on a case previously fired in another rifle, there is clearly a significant scratch mark from the firing pin (see attached). After having a quick look over there doesn't seem to be an obvious adjuster or way to change the "height" of the the firing pin so need some some help!

Surely with the action cocked (by opening the lever) there should be no firing pin protrusion from the breech face?

You say that you have had the rifle a year. Did you purchase it new?
If it was new from a RFD why not return it to the RFD and get them to sort it out with Viking Arms who are the importers.

 

[Ben_4321]

Exactly my thoughts - I can't see any rationale why it should be protruding. No idea how difficult it is to adjust or shorten the firing pin - but not something I want to attack with Dremel!

Bought second hand from an RFD a bit of a drive away - was going to try them next but thought I might ask here first in case anyone can recommend a better alternative.

 

[sh1kar]

Exactly my thoughts - I can't see any rationale why it should be protruding. No idea how difficult it is to adjust or shorten the firing pin - but not something I want to attack with Dremel!

Bought second hand from an RFD a bit of a drive away - was going to try them next but thought I might ask here first in case anyone can recommend a better alternative.

Neil McKillop?

 

[8x57]

Exactly my thoughts - I can't see any rationale why it should be protruding. No idea how difficult it is to adjust or shorten the firing pin - but not something I want to attack with Dremel!

Bought second hand from an RFD a bit of a drive away - was going to try them next but thought I might ask here first in case anyone can recommend a better alternative.

As its a used gun it sounds like the pin has become stuck, possibly the return spring is broken. Take it to a proper gunsmith more accustomed to working on shotgun actions not just bolt action rifles.

 

[VSS]

Exactly my thoughts - I can't see any rationale why it should be protruding. No idea how difficult it is to adjust or shorten the firing pin - but not something I want to attack with Dremel!

Bought second hand from an RFD a bit of a drive away - was going to try them next but thought I might ask here first in case anyone can recommend a better alternative.

It won't need shortening. It hasn't suddenly grown longer! Whatever it is that's causing it to protrude needs sorting in order that it can retract to its proper place.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

At the IWA trade show in Nurnberg next week.

HAENEL​

Booth: 4A-315
More exhibitors at this stand:

Merkel Jagd- und Sportwaffen GmbH
Direct Exhibitor

 

[steveford1]

At the IWA trade show in Nurnberg next week.

HAENEL​

Booth: 4A-315
More exhibitors at this stand:

Merkel Jagd- und Sportwaffen GmbH
Direct Exhibitor

Bought a k3 from William Evans with the same problem there so called gunsmith said this fault was normal what a .... i eventually got my money refunded, the rifle went back to Merkel to be rectified. Think you need a proper gunsmith to sort your problem not a rfd

 

[Foxyboy43]

Hmm. On the basis that the original firing pin mark seems not to match or coincide with that on your rifle itis a strange one - it looks like a an off-centre strike and drag mark then for reasons unknown is being pulled straight across the primer and the case itself - very strange.
Just a thought - have you checked that the firing pin isn’t bent though thatbstill wouldn’t explain the drag mark.
Look forward to hearing the cause….

 

[Dickie]

The protruding firing pin is catching the case when closing the rifle, possibly and if done with too much force could perhaps bend the pin, or in the reverse if you took a shot and the pin stayed protruding the force used to open the rifle could have bent the pin so it won't return properly and stays protruding.
Sounds like a visit to a proper gunsmith for a strip down might get to the bottom of the problem.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

I have an 8x58R drilling which has had the same issue with new brass it is with my gunsmith at the moment, he has fixed it but not yet informed what the problem was as the system needs to be tightened up so a WIP.

 

[Andy RV]

I assume that these, like most shotguns have a form of rebounding hammer or floating firing pin driven by inertia from the hammer strike to allow the firing pin to retract after firing to avoid the issue you have.

It doesn’t strike me as a difficult issue to fix, these are very simple mechanical systems at the end of the day.

 

[Smellydog]

It's just probably spring bound and needs a good clean. Rusted maybe.
Just pull it apart and get the pin floating again.
It's not rocket science and stop forcing it, you'll bend it if not already or break it.

 

[Ben_4321]

Many thanks for all the advice above - have tried to see how to take it apart but is clearly beyond me so will be taking to a gunsmith to hopefully sort.

Fingers crossed it is not too painful on the wallet!

 

[Bavarianbrit]

I went to the Merkel/Haenel stand at the IWA show today for you and showed their technical man the photo of the drag mark. He said "Hm its an older model but there is a threaded cap behind the firing pin and if it comes loose the back of the firing pin could get damaged/burred and then not sit all the way back into the action" a new cap plus firing pin and a spring should cure it he said.
Glad to help.

 

[Ben_4321]

Thank you very much Bavarianbrit - much appreciated!

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Thank you very much Bavarianbrit - much appreciated!

I hope it turns out to be the reason, I assume a smith will be needed to strip out the mechanism though.