I have a 25-06 built for me before that was a factory round. So, yes, we're both old !

Took a Mauser 98k action, rebarreled, etc. Trigger has long been a Timney sportsman 98k. Haven't shot in 3 years and now it won't cock. Trigger was gummed up so I used brake cleaner on both the trigger and bolt. Still won't cock. Tried adjusting the sear engagement and weight of pull screws, but still no joy. Bolt moves well, but the firing pin won't cock.

Guessing I need a new trigger. Will a Timney trigger for a 98FN fit a 98K? The Timney 98k triggers (no safety model) are on backorder but I can get one for an FN.

Any other thoughts besides the trigger swap?

Soak it in 91% isopropyl alcohol. That seems to dissolve it in our shop. You also really need to take it apart and clean each component. This is a real problem in many older guns. Lube turns to sticky gum like old linseed oil.

Have had a Sportsman trigger on my 404 Mauser for 40 years now and it has never failed to work.
After 3 years of non-use and nothing else changed, your trigger lube, whatever you use, has gummed up as Bobster has alluded to. Why go and change all the trigger settings if the trigger was working previously and has only stopped through non-use?

Given Mausers have pillar bedding even stock shrinkage or expansion doesn't enter the equation.

Just soak the trigger in something that will dissolve a lacquer because that is what oil based products such as CRC, WD40, etc., become after extended periods. Brake or Carb cleaner is for carbon deposits not lacquer deposits.

Thanks, Gents ! I'll give it a try.

Xylene. It will dissolve anything; banned in Cal because of that. I use it for painting military vehicles; it is the preferred solvent.
Wear gloves, although it eats those too. Other solvents are like water compared to xylene.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
Xylene. It will dissolve anything; banned in Cal because of that. I use it for painting military vehicles; it is the preferred solvent.
Wear gloves, although it eats those too. Other solvents are like water compared to xylene.

It smells good too.... until you pass out!

It’s like the old fashion model airplane glue smell.

Do not even open the can indoors.

quote:

xylene

back when i had a painting company, we bought it by the 2x55 gallon drums on pallets - thank goodness for it's low density, as i used to puck it into trucks.

ahh, the (not so) good old days -- when i would stop at a bar to drink beer until i sobered up from painting

Yeah, Xylene...nasty but effective, like MEK.
Unlike MEK, doesn't have a 17 degree F flashpoint.

Me, I'll stick with denatured Ethanol. Cheap and readily available in 1 gallon containers at any hardware store for us tinkererers. And safer.

Make sure all the screws are tight I had the same trouble last year just a loose screw.

Make sure it is free in the stock might have been a little swelling over the years.

Good points. However, in or out of the stock, the bolt doesn't cock. At least it doesn't cock consistently. I've now used the alcohol soak technique and that enabled it it to cock, but occasionally only. There is a broken end on the backlash adjustment screw, so the travel there is limited. Oh well - new trigger coming....

It's kind of a favorite rifle since I had it built for myself when I was 14. Wanted it to be a 25 Ackley Magnum - you know, hotter is better when you're that age. My Dad said it would always be more of a hassle than it would be worth to get brass and fire form, trim, etc. So I went with the then wildcat 25-06 and started converting surplus military 30-06 brass. Like I said, it really is a favorite. Deserves to have a trigger that works, even if I can't figure it out !!

Since you had a broken screw and have already bought a new trigger, this may seem somewhat redundant to some. But, worth noting.

Gumout carb cleaner will remove some lacquer. But, it is rather weak.
But, Permatex carb parts cleaner is strong stuff and does remove lacquer deposits unless they changed the formula in the last 10-15 years.

quote:

Originally posted by eagle27:

Given Mausers have pillar bedding even stock shrinkage or expansion doesn't enter the equation.

Just soak the trigger in something that will dissolve a lacquer because that is what oil based products such as CRC, WD40, etc., become after extended periods. Brake or Carb cleaner is for carbon deposits not lacquer deposits.

I have a Whitworth Mauser barreled action that needs a new trigger too.

I guess I boxed the trigger up 4 years ago when we built a new house an moved. I can't find the trigger. As soon as Timney get their sears heat treated they will get a feather weight sent my way.

Not the only thing I can't find.

Thanks, Billy