Trigger wont re-set on an older wingmaster

[.223Rem]

So, I took my 12g wingmaster out for the first time in a few years and found a strange problem.
Some times when I pump the gun something wont set properly and the trigger will be limp.

First off- I have never had a problem with this gun in the past, but I also never used it much. I think it's from the 60's or 70's, my grandfather gave it to me, and I know he hardly used it too. I took it out every now and then to make sure it was always clean and oiled. And before I took it out the other day I did a tear down to make sure everything looked good. (didn't take out the trigger group however).

What I found to be happening was, I had to slam the fore end pretty hard in order to make the gun work. If I didn't do it hard enough the little button to release the action would stay 'pressed' and the trigger would be limp.

I don't know much about these guns, is it normal to have to slam the thing forward to load it or is there some kind of fix for this?

Thanks for any help.

 

[sunray]

No slamming should be necessary. Firmly operating the slide, yes. Sounds like some part of the trigger group has come loose. Or after somebody disassembled it, it didn't get put back together correctly.
Manual with disassembly/assembly instructions is here. Try taking it apart and reassembling it first then go see the smithy at Shooter's Choice. No W's. stevespages.com/pdf/remington_870.pdf

 

[.223Rem]

Thanks, I'll have a look. I found playing around with it this morning that with the gun loaded, the problem was gone. Might have been something to do with the crappy Winchester universal shells I was using?

 

[maynard]

Push the 2 pins out of the action and drop the trigger group out. Might just be gummed up with old oil, dirt and other crap.