Lock coming loose during shooting.

Chris Myers · Sep 14, 2024

I have just finished my Hawken 50 cal and shot 7 shots through it. So nice of a weapon. So nice. Now when i went to clean it i saw the front of the lock came out about 1/16th of an inch. Did i do something wrong? It works well but just noticed it. ANyone know if i can secure it somehow so it does not move. When building it was tight but not to tight. Do i need to just tighten up the lock bolt. Duh!!! ill look at that now!

THank you
Chris

wiscoaster · Sep 14, 2024

Did you try Loctite?

Chris Myers · Sep 14, 2024

No but im not sure I tightened it down fully when finishing it up. I'll check on it and see. If I did tighten down and it came loose I'll use lock tight. Thnks

ZUG · Sep 15, 2024

Just apply a little drop of the removable type don't go overboard with the stuff.

SDSmlf · Sep 15, 2024

Chris Myers said:
Now when i went to clean it i saw the front of the lock came out about 1/16th of an inch. Did i do something wrong?

Chris Myers said:
If I did tighten down and it came loose I'll use lock tight.

I would not think you would need or want to use Loctite on a lock bolt, something that gets removed frequently. Better to correct the problem. There is a good chance that lock/lock bolt were not full seated before you started shooting. You might want to tap the bolt head lightly with a plastic hammer or screwdriver handle and see if anything moves. Then when you go shooting the next time, check that lock bolt after each shot.

wiscoaster · Sep 15, 2024

SDSmlf said:
I would not think you would need or want to use Loctite on a lock bolt, something that gets removed frequently.

No problem using blue Loctite on bolts that needed to be "removed frequently". Not the best solution, better to do as @SDSmlf recommends, but if nothing else works, don't rule out the Loctite. I'm one of those that plays "musical chairs" with Magpul accessories and with optics, so I deal a lot with blue-Loctited screws. No worries. Can be done.

2 shots · Sep 15, 2024

small bolts should us the purple locktite [ gunsmithing stuff] but i have yet to see a lock bolt loosen from shooting. they should be snug not over tightened.

French Colonial · Sep 16, 2024

The question is why is the lock bolt coming loose in the first place.........

I have never had one come loose in decades of doing this sport, Loctite etc. are just Band-Aids.

Sam squanch · Sep 16, 2024

Did you use the right tap in tapping threads in the lock plate?

The Crisco Kid · Sep 16, 2024

I've never needed Loctite or anything else to keep a lock bolt tight. Must be another problem.

Larry (Omaha) · Sep 16, 2024

Chris Myers said:
I have just finished my Hawken 50 cal and shot 7 shots through it. So nice of a weapon. So nice. Now when i went to clean it i saw the front of the lock came out about 1/16th of an inch. Did i do something wrong? It works well but just noticed it. ANyone know if i can secure it somehow so it does not move. When building it was tight but not to tight. Do i need to just tighten up the lock bolt. Duh!!! ill look at that now!

THank you
Chris

Wood shrinks and shi_ also happens. Make sure your wood base is parellel to the lock plate when fully in place. If it is not, you can get a teeter totter effect. Might have to shim a tad or remove a small bump. If the machine screws are properly threaded all you should need is to snug them up.
I have been shooting since the 70s and never used lock tight.
Good luck,
Larry

Chris Myers · Sep 16, 2024

Sam squanch said:
Did you use the right tap in tapping threads in the lock plate?

Yes I just think I did not tighten enough. To exited to shoot it
Lol

Chris Myers · Sep 16, 2024

Larry (Omaha) said:
Wood shrinks and shi_ also happens. Make sure your wood base is parellel to the lock plate when fully in place. If it is not, you can get a teeter totter effect. Might have to shim a tad or remove a small bump. If the machine screws are properly threaded all you should need is to snug them up.
I have been shooting since the 70s and never used lock tight.
Good luck,
Larry

Thank you

waksupi · Sep 16, 2024

French Colonial said:
The question is why is the lock bolt coming loose in the first place.........

I have never had one come loose in decades of doing this sport, Loctite etc. are just Band-Aids.

I agree, something else is wrong, and the cause needs found and fixed.

GREENSWLDE · Sep 18, 2024

SUGUGST THAT THE PIN HAS AN UNDERSIZED THEAD OR THE LOCK PLATE HOLE IS OVER SIZED
Check the hole for size with a Tap if you have one.. O.D.

Chris Myers · Sep 29, 2024

Chris Myers said:
I have just finished my Hawken 50 cal and shot 7 shots through it. So nice of a weapon. So nice. Now when i went to clean it i saw the front of the lock came out about 1/16th of an inch. Did i do something wrong? It works well but just noticed it. ANyone know if i can secure it somehow so it does not move. When building it was tight but not to tight. Do i need to just tighten up the lock bolt. Duh!!! ill look at that now!

THank you
Chris

Thanks for those who replied. Apperantly when assembling it i did not tighten down the lock enough. it works fine now.

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