New BBS 45 - complete failure to fire

[kylverstone]

I recently bought a new Big Boy Steel in 45 Colt and finally got to take it to the range yesterday for a first outing, and the rifle just would not fire. Click after click, but no booms! Now, I am new to Henrys, and lever-action rifles, but not to firearms. I ejected the rounds after failing to fire, and there was not even a mark on the primers. I tried multiple cartridges, from two different boxes, all with the same outcome.

In the week since purchasing the rifle, while waiting for a day where it wasn't constantly raining, I did remove the lever and bolt to clean all the factory grease and to lightly lubricate everything (I did not disassemble the bolt, just cleaned the exterior).

Before I contact Henry, and potentially embarrass myself completely, is there anything I could have done while re-assembling the rifle that would cause this problem? I did dry fire the rifle multiple times without a snap cap, but this was only after reading various threads on here saying that it was safe to do so.

Thanks for any input!

[BigAl52]

Sounds to me like the firing pin is either broken or non existent. If you remove the bolt again can you see a pin in the hole? Maybe post some pictures of the bolt itself.

[John E Davies]

It’s pretty depressing, isn’t it? It makes you wonder about newbies who buy a pistol “for protection”, load it and put it away in a bedside drawer without every testing it.Oops.

Good luck,

John Davies
Spokane WA

[kylverstone]

Sounds to me like the firing pin is either broken or non existent. If you remove the bolt again can you see a pin in the hole? Maybe post some pictures of the bolt itself.

It looks like you were right. I cannot see a pin at all! Also, does this bolt face look normal?

Thanks again for the response.

IMG_0882.png

[Sir Henry]

Can you see the firing pin from the other end where the hammer would strike it?

[kylverstone]

Can you see the firing pin from the other end where the hammer would strike it?

Good point! Yes, I can.

IMG_0883.png

[Sir Henry]

Can you push it in and does the spring return it to the rear? It sure doesn’t look very smooth.

[kylverstone]

Can you push it in and does the spring return it to the rear? It sure doesn’t look very smooth.

Yes, it pushes in and returns when releasing pressure. Looks like it's going to have to go back then. I'll open a support request with Henry. Thank for your help!

[GunnyGene]

That's an absolutely nasty looking bolt face! And the back end doesn't look any better. Looks like something they pulled out of the trash can! I've seen better on 70yo rifles with thousands of rounds thru them.

[BigAl52]

I agree with Gene that bolt looks like it came out of the scrap bin. Forgive me if this is a stupid question but I am assuming this is a brand new rifle and not used?

[kylverstone]

That's an absolutely nasty looking bolt face! And the back end doesn't look any better. Looks like something they pulled out of the trash can! I've seen better on 70yo rifles with thousands of rounds thru them.

I agree with Gene that bolt looks like it came out of the scrap bin. Forgive me if this is a stupid question but I am assuming this is a brand new rifle and not used?

I agree it looks horrible! I didn't realise until I took those close-up photos. Yes, it was sold to me by my LGS as a new rifle. I think I'm going to pop in there tomorrow and show them.

[BigAl52]

Does the rest of the rifle look to be brand new no handling marks of any kind ect?

[fortyshooter]

Send it back and they will make it good!

[kylverstone]

Does the rest of the rifle look to be brand new no handling marks of any kind ect?

Apart from some slight marks around the side-gate, which I assumed was from factory test fires, yes it does. Lovely, in fact. It came with the box, paperwork, unused lock, etc. There was nothing to alert me that this may have been a used gun.

[GunnyGene]

Does the rest of the rifle look to be brand new no handling marks of any kind ect?

Apart from some slight marks around the side-gate, which I assumed was from factory test fires, yes it does. Lovely, in fact. It came with the box, paperwork, unused lock, etc. There was nothing to alert me that this may have been a used gun.

Hmm. Makes me wonder if somebody in the shop where you bought it swapped out the new bolt with that nasty for possibly personal reasons.

[BigAl52]

Ive sent them back about 3 times one rifle twice. But Im only 1K away from there factories. Being across the pond I wonder how long it will take. I know it doesn't do any good but Id be a little pissed off with one being brand new.

[kylverstone]

Hmm. Makes me wonder if somebody in the shop where you bought it swapped out the new bolt with that nasty for possibly personal reasons.

I'm beginning to wonder that myself. Disappointing and annoying if that turns out to be the case. I'll return it to Henry and see what they say.

Thanks everyone for the input; much appreciated!

[ol'pole]

another fine example of henry Quality

[kylverstone]

Ive sent them back about 3 times one rifle twice. But Im only 1K away from there factories. Being across the pond I wonder how long it will take. I know it doesn't do any good but Id be a little pissed off with one being brand new.

I guess I should have put my location in my profile. Although I'm a Brit, I've lived in sunny Tennessee for over twenty years, so hopeful for a quick turnaround!

[Hatchdog]

Any chance the OP can just return the bolt for replacement? Probably not an issue as he is now a US resident.