.32-20 slow trigger return.

[Oscar Zulu]

I have a .32-20, fourth change, with a bit of a problem. In dry firing , the trigger is both single and double action is very "lazy" to return (reset)? before the action can be cycled again. I haven't shot it in a couple of years and don't remember it having this problem when I put it away.
I am assuming nothing is broken, as the trigger does eventually return to position to fire. I would rater not pull the sideplate if I don't have to, although I do have the proper screwdrivers for the job.
I plan to pull the grips and give it a shot of gun scrubber followed by a shot of remoil after letting it dry, unless the forum steers me in another direction.

Thank you,

Oscar Zulu

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Sounds like it is gummed up by evaporated gun oil. Gun Scrubber may clean it out, but I suspect you need to remove the sideplate and put a brush on it.

 

[cgt4570]

Yep. Pull the sideplate, pull all the parts and give it a thorough cleaning and re-lube.

 

[steelslaver]

It is probably just gummed up from old oil and or dust. But, if you do pull it apart check the rebound slide spring to see if some coils were cut off it at some time. Not that uncommon before the days of readily available reduced power springs.

 

[jframejoey]

WD-40, White Lithium etc were popular back in the day for lubing up pistolas. Works good at first but dries/gums up over time. Maybe be able to flush it out without taking plate off.

 

[LEO918]

Take the grips off and flush with spray carb/brake cleaner (about $1.00). Blow out excess and apply new oil. I've never had this fail and it's much simpler than removing side plate where there is always a chance of some damage.

 

[Oscar Zulu]

Whatever was used to lube the gun had got very tacky/gooey. I probably shot it, cleaned rather lazily and put it away, whatever I used to clean it softening up whatever was in there to begin with. I'm assuming WD-40, which I haven't personally used in years.I shot some Gunscrubber into everything I could reach and then blew it out with compressed air. Then I gave it a generous application of Kroil. Of course now, Kroil is weeping out of every pore in the revolver, lol. But it functions as it should. I'll probably pull the side plate and relube at some point. It has a wonder sight installed so that is a consideration.

Thanks for all the input.

Oscar Zulu

 

[Kinman]

Good for you...personally the only use I have for WD40 is as a final flush after I have cleaned a muzzle loader with hot soapy water and blown out the barrel with compressed air, I then shoot a good dose down the barrel and blast that all out with compressed air, then follow with a couple dry cotton patches followed by a proper preservative oil like Barricade or my old tried and true Ballistol. I also usually scrub out the lock at the same time, blow it dry, WD40 it followed with more compressed air then oil applied where the action is and a light coat of Ballistol over everything then reassemble. WD40 is hydroscopic, it grabs onto any water molecules, it is not a preservative. I do not use it any other time around firearms and only hot soapy water clean my rifles when they are going to sit around for more than a week or more, while in heavy use once a month. If I follow that treatment I can put a clean cotton patch down the barrel and only get the residue of whatever I used in the final treatment on the patch. That residue must be removed and a couple of caps fired before truly loading the rifle or pistol, it will foul the powder otherwise.