Had to return the HW30s for a fix to AOA. Ball detent would no longer close the breech after 400 rounds?. I have an HW 50 on backorder from them and I'm now wondering if this is going to be an issue as well?. I still have time to change my order. Was going to get the HW95 luxus, but love the smaller dimensions and weight. I'll overcome those for a reliable rifle. Any suggestions welcomed.
Weihrauch HW 30 ball detent issue
- Thread starter cankiller
- Start date
The HW50s doesn't use the the problematic ball detent from the HW30s, it uses the much more reliable and robust chisel detent. I have been VERY happy with my HW50s.
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The ball detent isn't usually a problem on the 30s. Not saying yours didn't but there's a lot of misunderstanding about the system. They typically vertical string new because the pivot is too tight or the new breech seal hasn't conformed or flattened to size yet.
Spring loaded wedge lock ups and even the highly regarded HW35 manual release systems have just as many failures.
Spring loaded wedge lock ups and even the highly regarded HW35 manual release systems have just as many failures.
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@cankiller: Could you be more specific about the problem with the ball detent? Include any pics w/a description of the issue if possible.
Thanks in advance from a new (AoA-acquired) HW30S owner
Great forum name BTW
Thanks in advance from a new (AoA-acquired) HW30S owner
Great forum name BTW
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Can't do it because it's back at AOA for a fix. Problem was I could not close the breech. Not only not holding closed, but could not physically close the breech fully. Just guessing the ball detent came out too far. Will update once AOA gets back to me.@cankiller: Could you be more specific about the problem with the ball detent? Include any pics w/a description of the issue if possible.
Thanks in advance from a new (AoA-acquired) HW30S owner
Great forum name BTW
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Wow. That's a big problem. The first I've heard of that. I hope they iron it out for you. I'm interested in what they find.
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They have the rifle and told me it's fixed. I asked them to place a napkin over the breech and shoot one shot before it's sent back. It was blowing up napkins before I sent it in. Will do the test again, once I get it back. I will also video the experiment and post.
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IIRC the 'napkin' test is connected to the breech seal, but I'm sure it will be OK after AoA completes their service. In your case it may not have anything to do with the breech seal but the detent itself. It'll be interesting to find out how the repair was performed, detent assembly replaced? New barrel assembly?
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No, the tech I spoke with said they oiled the detent ball and everything was fine. I have questions on this. That's why I asked them to do the napkin test. Rifle was fine for a month and then breech would not close, no matter how much force was applied. We'll see.
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So they did not pull ot inspect the spring or ball for maybe crud or rust build up that could be preventing normal operation ? I mean if the ball was sticking , ya know.
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The ball and spring are staked into the breech block. They aren't removable. The only thing you can do with them is to oil them and exercise the ball to allow the oil behind it.
The ball locks the breech in place against a steel dowel between the forks. The ball pops over and holds pressure against the same steel dowel that locates the breech position. Either the ball wouldn't fully extend, compress and or the pin is damaged.
The ball might not fully extend or compress if it has machining chips, rust or dirt in the ball socket. If there's crud in the socket it may work its way to a bad position again. It may break up and never cause a problem again. Hopefully it's fixed for good.
FWIW the chisel detents suffer the same problems and more often. However the chisel detents are more serviceable. This is the first legitimate time I've heard of the ball not functioning correctly.
The ball locks the breech in place against a steel dowel between the forks. The ball pops over and holds pressure against the same steel dowel that locates the breech position. Either the ball wouldn't fully extend, compress and or the pin is damaged.
The ball might not fully extend or compress if it has machining chips, rust or dirt in the ball socket. If there's crud in the socket it may work its way to a bad position again. It may break up and never cause a problem again. Hopefully it's fixed for good.
FWIW the chisel detents suffer the same problems and more often. However the chisel detents are more serviceable. This is the first legitimate time I've heard of the ball not functioning correctly.
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I wonder if its possible that a small chip of lead that came from a pellet may have somehow contributed to the ball detent mechanism becoming 'locked' or jammed in a way that prevented the ball from being depressed into it's recess position? Perhaps a piece of lead from a seated pellet that partially dislodged from the barrel breech just before breech closure, and then got slightly sheared by the breech? Or even a pellet with a loose piece of lead attached, from banging around in the can. Just considering possibilities based on my own usage...
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I have had lots of hw30. I have always been wary of the ball bearing lock up but never had any problem at all. I much prefer the hw99 so i stick to that Gun myself. I think its the hw50 in USA.
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Well a fight to remove or near nonremovable.. hmmm.. i just hlanced at the part thing and seen the ball and spring out with a number and just assumed. Then looked for any one who may of did the job and pretty depressing. That becomes a big turn off with the 30. Non serviceable wate and tare part in a critical juncture.. lol
Only gun I ever had with one was a rws that was quickly gifted away anyway.
Ya, that s a turn off now
Only gun I ever had with one was a rws that was quickly gifted away anyway.
Ya, that s a turn off now
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ill go with the lead dust/chip idea . How many thousands flawless 30's are out there ? i have one made in 1976 works every time .
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Lol.. kinda like guys who complain how hard to use / push in the hw safety pin . A flick of the thumb , how hard is that ?
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That’s funny. I’ve seen peeps complain about the HW safety before and never understood it. Wasn’t worth commenting on. I have other guns with automatic safeties too, and don’t find the ergonomics any better or worse than HW. The fact I can’t reset or uncock easily doesn’t really matter either. If I have to waste a nickel firing a shot into the dirt, so be it.
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