All of a sudden when I open the action on my UGEX 9.3x74 the locking bolt doesn't stay retracted and the lever comes back to center after it is opened. To close the action I have to hold the lever open. I'm not afraid to work on a rifle but without some kind of drawing or schematic I'm not sure what to look for. Is there a common cause for my problem?

Bob

First if you do not press the lever all the way open it will not stay open.

If you are, then look and see if there is a little "bump" sticking out of the front of the action right between the barrels.

When you press the lever all the way over, it should stay all the way over, this button should be sticking out.

When you close the barrels they press on this little button and it releases the lever, and thus the locking lugs.

If thisa button does not stay out there is something wrong.

I would contact JJ Perodeau at Champlin Arms.

Thanks, The button is not sticking out. I'm assuming it is spring loaded. The rifle is only a couple of months old with about 400 rounds through it. (It was imported by WLM but I bought it from another shop so WLM isn't interested in me.) I've seen new shotguns with a few metal shavings inside that can hang things. Think I'll try a little solvent sprayed in and see if something loosens before I start spending more money on it.

Okay that didn't help. The button is not under any spring tension; it just moves in and out loosely so there is obviously a spring that isn't pushing on something or is hung up.

Bob - did you ever get this problem corrected? I just had the same issue with my Chapuis.
Mangwana

Mang, There was a tiny metal shaving jammed in the plunger hole in the top lever. You have to take the receiver all the way apart to get to it. Once I got it apart it took about 10 seconds to clear it. PM me if you want some tips on taking it apart and getting it back together. Bob

Thanks Bob - I think I will have my gunsmith do the disassembly.
Mangwana

Sub:

I am curious. Does Searcy build a 9,3X74R?

Yes, Butch Searcy has built a few 9.3x74Rs. They are exquisite! I have one of his single shots stalking rifles in 9.3x74R as well.
Mangwana