Varmint Hunter not cocking

[expomatic]

Hey guys, my Varmint Hunter 1000 has suddenly decided to not cock. I've removed the action from the stock but have not yet disassembled the trigger mechanism. The piston moves all the way back like it should but the sear is not catching the piston. The rifle wasn't dropped or banged on anything, it just quit! Have you guys had any experience with this? Does anyone know where I can find an exploded parts list for the rifle? Any help would be appreciated. BTW, it has Charlie's trigger installed. Thanks!

[Gene_SC]

How long have you had CDT GRT-III trigger in there Mike?

Gene

[expomatic]

Hey Gene, I've had Charlie's trigger in there for about two months - and I've enjoyed every shot since. I just quasi-disassembled the trigger unit and found nothing apparently wrong. The spring that keeps tension on the sear was in place and works, it just doesn't want to latch. What gives? Umm, the only question now is how to remove the entire trigger assembly from the tube... do I have to compress the mainspring and remove it, or is there another way?

[vinceb]

Actually, you can leave the spring in place - but you do have to remove the end cap (which means ya gotta compress the spring and all that).

At that point the trigger assembly slides out real easy.

[Gene_SC]

Yes most definetly use a spring compressor....I would send CDT an email for suggestions on what to look for.. before you tear everything appart...

Gene

[Gene_SC]

Yes most definetly use a spring compressor....I would send CDT an email for suggestions on what to look for.. before you tear everything appart...

Gene

[expomatic]

In case anybody's interested: The Mainspring broke - at about 1- 1/2 coils from the bottom end. The broken piece was interfering with the coils as they came together during cocking, causing the sear to "ride over" the obstruction before it would catch. Called for warranty service from Gamo Canada and was informed that they have no parts yet - they've been waiting for 2 months for Gamo to send anything. Will call again in two weeks.

Has anyone tried another spring in there? I assume that it's the same Shadow1000 powerplant.

[Big_Bill]

Hay Mike,

Glad to hear that you found your problem, andSorry to hear that Gamo doesn't have your parts.

Let us knowhow she shoots when you get her up and in shape again.

[vinceb]

If not, then a standard Gamo spring will probably fit. If you have the spring out, can you tell us what the OD, the wire diameter, and the free length are?

If it's a standard Gamo/220/440/890 spring, you should be able to get a decent used spring from Rich in Mich. Or you could use a Crosman Quest spring and tophat, they are available from Crosman for about $12 with shipping. The Crosman spring has more coils and a slightly smaller diameter, and since the "coil bind" height is a little greater, you'll need the Crosman tophat. I can get you the part numbers if you'd like.

There are different opinions about the quality of the Crosman springs. Some have had good luck with them, but others believe the quality to be inferior. In any event, there's a fair number of Gamos' running around with Crosman springs, tophats, and piston seals in 'em...

[expomatic]

Hey there vinceb! No, it is not a detuned Canadian model - it's the full power 1000fps version. I have already broken down the rifle and took measurements of all the internal components, even weighing them too! I just ordered a Crosman Quest 1000 Spring from Crosman Canada (C5K77-010) for 8.62CAD + 6.50CAD shipping. This is only to tide me over until Gamo Canada gets it's act together and sends me a new spring under warranty. Also, I just bought some Moly60 from a local Honda dealership here in Van for... wait for it...23.06CAD for 100g! Pretty damn expensive grease! At least it contains 60% Moly, unlike the MolySlip grease available at supply houses for about 8CAD/454g - guaranteed to have 3% Moly. I guess you really do get what you pay for!

Thanks for the heads up concerning the Crosman tophat - I was planning on spinning myself a new tophat and guide from polypropelene roundstock. The factory Gamo has about 0.015" of play between the spring I.D. and guide, and about 0.200" play between the tophat and piston I.D. I want to tighten them up and maybe have less twang and vibration because of it.

At any rate I'll be posting my results with the rifle as soon as the spring arrives and I have a moment of spare time - I'm also in the middle of installing new kitchen cabinets for the wife. Sometimes a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do to keep the woman happy... you know what I'm talking about!

Thanks for your responses, I'm really enjoying this board!

[expomatic]

Broken spring, nice...NOT.

[DanoInTx]

That's not a broken spring, that's the "2 piece" Canadian version:)

Sorry, couldn't help it.....


Dan

[JMG]

LOL Dan that was cold man!!!

John

Hello expomatic,

I have been following along and how about a update.
Have you received the Crossman spring yet?
Are you making headway on it?

How about your wife's remodling is that holding you up?..
LOL
I just had to throw that in there, that happens to
all of us.

Gordon, down here in South Carolina

[expomatic]

Hey Gordon, the Crosman spring arrived yesterday, only 6 days after ordering it. It's longer and has 2 more coils than the original Gamo. Crosman: 35Coils, 11.75", OD: 0.785", ID: 0.533", wire diameter: 0.120", weight: 106.1g
Factory Gamo: 33Coils, 10.0", OD: 0.775", ID: 0.535", wire diameter: 0.120", weight: 100.4g.

So yes, it's looks like I have to turn myself a new tophat. BTW, I called Gamo Canada again today (2wks after 1st call), and they still do not have anything in from Gamo. Was told again to try in 2weeks. The fellow I talked to on the phone admitted that Gamo makes good product but their customer service SUCKS.

Well, gotta level out some cabinets in the kitchen...will keep updating.

Best Regards,
Mike H.