I just recieved my VVCG .338 RUM barrel last week and went to the range to put a few thru it and and when I fire a round and try to break open the action it has a catch in it and is hard to open. I looked at it and there are no problems with the case causing the hang up it seems to start when it is about 1/2 way open. I think it might be the spring loaded locking mech. below the shell extractor catching on the round housing for the firing pin. What might cause this. It only happens when a fired case is in it. Has anyone else had this problem. Ill tell you one thing though it seems to be a very accurate barrel. Im impressed with it other than the problem described above. What to do???? What to check. I thought Id check here before calling Steve. I may just send it in to them becouse I need a trigger job anyways.

Please give me a call and I'll see if we can get this resolved. It sounds almost like the 45 degree cut on the bottom of your extractor has a groove in it causing it to hang on the frame when it's about half open. If so, all we need to do it send you a new extractor. However, I'd rather do it over the phone so you can tell me exactly what's going on. It would be faster and easier than doing it by e-mail or in a forum.

Jeff Stratton
435-635-8941 ext. 3

If I don't answer or am away from the phone, just leave me a message and we'll get in touch.

I had a similar problem with a Bullberry 6.5 x 284 barrel - I was loading it too hot - once I backed off the loads a bit, the problems went away. Basically, the encore doesn't really like high pressures and spent brass sticking in the chamber is a symptom of high pressure in the encore.

Troy

........ doesnt sound like high pressure to me. Sounds like you may have some oil or cleaning solvent behind the bushing that the pin comes through. The hydrostatic pressure will push it out slightly causing the locking lugs to catch on the way up. Before you send it back to Jeff I would take the barrel off of the frame and press in on the bushing with your finger then watch to see if it comes back out past flush. If not this minor problem VVCG will make it right.

I also had the same problem with my bullberry barrel with my encore and I called fred I talked to him about it and he told me that I was loading my shells to hot and I tuned them down and didn't have the problem any more.