In shooting some reduced loads yesterday, I had some problems closing the action. Looked down and saw a firing pin protruding out of the left side hole. Pushed it back in with my finger, and after a few shots, it stuck again.

I think there was a cartridge fired in both barrels, but didn't pay enough attention to be certain.

Could be a real problem if reloading in a hurry, and I'm going to Africa in September. My best guess is that the action is a bit dirty and needs to be cleaned by a competent double rifle gunsmith. But I'm asking for any help from the forum members.

Rifle is 3 years old, Chapuis, and I've probably fired 500-700 rounds through it.

Thanks!

I saw the exact same thing on a .470 chapuis with 185 rounds through it. Send the rifle to Champins for emergency repair.

It could just be gummed up a bit, which a strip and clean will cure. However, as Dan alluded to, I've heard of a few Chapuis where the firing pins became peened, causing them to stick. Either way, it needs to go to J. J.
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"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."

I have had that problem twice with a spanish 16ga shotgun. Once it was the "peening" refered to above, once it was a broken pin. I would be supprised if "peeing" is the issue as that is a sign that the pins have not been hardened properly...

Good luck;
Brett

I'm not up on Chapuis doubles to remember if they have spanner bushings that are removed from the standing breach face. It they do, and you have a spanner driver, carefully remove the offending pin bushing, so as not to let the striker spring get away from you. Remover the spring, and striker and inspect it for peening (BRADING)where the tumbler hits the striker. If no peening is there simply clean out the hole with solvent, and dry, and replace the pin, then do the same with the other one. Only take one out at a time, and replace it before takeing the other one out. This isn't a tough opperation for anyone if you are careful. If you aren't comfortable with doing this work yourself, or if you don't have the proper tools, then the trip to JJ is indicated. While your rifle is with him let him do a take down cleaning. If you have 500-700 rounds through your rifle it is due a good internal anyway, especially if you are getting ready for a Buffalo hunt!

Brett:

That was precisely the problem with the guns I was referring to - the firing pins were too soft and peened out of shape.
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"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."