Stiff frame locking lever

[bbrown]

Following the disassembly instructions at surplusrifle.com I tried to slide the frame locking lever toward the rear on my new-to-me DSA STG-58, but it won't budge. Is there some way the lever needs to be pressed while sliding or something? I don't want to go Paul Bunyan on it and damage it.

TIA,

Bryan

[LaConservationist]

Sometimes they are just tight due to the lack of use; YOU may try pushing down on the top of the rifle at the pivot point while pressing the lever to the rear. I would also suggest getting that thing lubricated a lil bit. If that doesn't work you can use a rubber handled hammer press the rubber handle against the lever and tap the hammer top to help force the lever back.
Hope this helps!

LC

PS: Someone will be along to suggest using a BFH and knock the pi$$ out of it, I would not follow those instructions

[bbrown]

Thanks, I thought it probably had to be me. I'll give that a try when I return from travel on Tuesday.

BTW, I only use BFHs when installing things like rivets.

Bryan

[DakTo]

If you are dissembling the locking lever from the locking body catch why would you be trying to move the lever to the rear?
First remove the retaining locking catch lever screw located just above the rear tang and then punch out retaining locking catch cross pin. The locking leaver should slide out sideways.

[bbrown]

Originally posted by DakTo
If you are dissembling the locking lever from the locking body catch why would you be trying to move the lever to the rear?
First remove the retaining locking catch lever screw located just above the rear tang and then punch out retaining locking catch cross pin. The locking leaver should slide out sideways.

Maybe I didn't make myself clear. I just want to break open the rifle for examination and cleaning, not take it to pieces (yet).

Bryan

[gunplumber]

Two issues - one is moving the lever itself. In that case, a punch made of plastic or wood may assist. The other is, the lever has moved but the rifle won't open. Then smacking top of stock as mentioned above, works often. I have a rubber mat on my bench and just whack against that.

You are dealing with 2 wedges that come together to latch - sometimes they stick. A drop of anti-seize will help until the parts find their happy spot through wear.

[Potshot]

You might also check that the lever is retracting the locking piece in the lower fully. I had one lever that didn't do this and breaking open the rifle required a rap on the handguard to get it apart.

You shouldn't have to do that. If it doesn't come apart something is wrong.

The only exception to this is if you have swaged the lower wider to tighten upper to lower fit.

[gunplumber]

Originally posted by Potshot
The only exception to this is if you have swaged the lower wider to tighten upper to lower fit.

Kudos that you're even aware of that technique, but swaging is for lateral play, not vertical.

Vertical is done with an OS locking body, a resurfaced receiver ledge, and boring out and sleeving the receiver or trigger housing hinge pin holes.

[bbrown]

Originally posted by LaConservationist
If that doesn't work you can use a rubber handled hammer press the rubber handle against the lever and tap the hammer top to help force the lever back.

I finally had a chance to try this trick, and yes, it worked. I put a thin piece of leather on the knob, a rubber mallet on that, and tapped the mallet toward the back with a deadblow hammer. Freed it pretty quickly. Working it further, it did indeed find its sweet spot.

Thanks,

Bryan