balky 219

[garthgus]

Hey guys, I returned the 219C I got on gunbroker and another one turned up soon after and I won the auction. Please bear with me as I am more of a shotgun guy and I'm a novice when it comes  to the 219. This one is another 22 Hornet, in better shape cosmetically and it  carries a Utica stamp. Barrel and frame inspectors marks match. Although headspace on this rifle is tight I have a couple observations/concerns. Maybe these issues will sound familiar. 

1. Top lever is about 30 degrees right of center with action closed. And when the action is open the lever is maybe 5 degrees left of center.
2. Firing pin is visible when action is open and it retracts when the lever is pushed over.
3. Action is extremely tight and I really have to muscle it to close the action.
4. The big problem is the rifle doesn't cock consistently. It ejects dummy rounds just fine but the hammer drops maybe 50% of the time. Sometimes when I push the lever over a second time it will cock. Also I noticed that when I hear an audible click when I push the lever over it will cock.But it doesn't do that every time I open the action. I'm hoping that a good cleaning will solve this but as I said I'm a novice and I have 3 days to decide if I should keep it or send it back.
As always, thanks for your comments!
Garth

[Garnett]

Garth, Almost all of the 44 219/220 Savages I purchased for research for my book are from hard to very hard to open.  This can be fixed by removing a very small amount of metal from the rear of the barrel lug.  I had my machinist/gunsmith do this for my daughter’s Hornet.  As to the lever position, there was no set angle on any of them.  Now, as to not cocking.  I am surprised you have a Utica barrel on a “C” model, but if the numbers match, that is fine.  Starting with the “B” models, the lever has nothing to do with cocking the hammer.  There is a lever inside the bottom right of the action that is activated by a spring loaded stud in the right side rear of the barrel lug.  When the barrel is opened, these two parts contact and cock the hammer.  I would think one or both of these parts are worn and are not making good contact every time the barrel is opened.  I hope this will help some.  Best wishes, Garnett

[garthgus]

Thanks Garnett. This Utica 219 isn't a C so now I understand cocking is lever activated. That threw me off. I spent some time cleaning it this morning and it's cocking normally now. Maybe just congealed grease as it doesn't look like this gun has been fired in a long time and it was pretty filthy. I'd like to open the gun up and do a more thorough cleaning but without guidance I'm  hesitant to do that. Does your book offer any help in this area?

The lever being way right of center with the action closed still looks odd. I'm familiar with wear and tear on break action shotguns and as the parts wear down, the lever moves left of center, but not right of center. Picture attached.
Garth

[Garnett]

Garth, several of my 219/220’s have top levers in your guns position.  I would not be worried about that.  Yes, my book has color photos and takedown and re-assembly of instructions for both striker fired (early) and hammer (B,C,D) models.  It is $85.00 shipped via USPS Media rate.  Click on the picture for a compete description of the book.  If you want one, please send your personal check or a USPS money order.  I will ship immediately upon receipt of either.  Garnett Stancil, 4225B, County Road 17, Selma, Alabama 36701. Let me know if you have more questions.  Best wishes, Garnett+ 

[garthgus]

Thanks, that's very reassuring. Although I haven't shot it yet I like this 219 and I'll keep it. It's in very good condition compared to many of the ones I've seen for sale. Bore looks ok and the barrel crown is undamaged. I'm excited to see how it does on the range. It will be interesting to shoot a rifle with iron sights again. I'll miss not having a peep sight but I'll manage. And I'm ordering a copy of your book today. Cheers.

[Garnett]

I am glad you like it well enough to keep.  If you have time, please post some pictures of the rifle and the target when you shoot it.  Thanks for purchasing my book.  I will ship upon receipt of payment. Best wishes, Garnett