I need some help.
I have a new Winchester (Miroku) 1892 carbine in 44-40. I have fired 200 rounds through the rifle without any functional issues but I was struggling to find a good load. All loads so far are not reaching expected velocities and accuracy is poor. I'm using the Lee 200gn RNFP sized at .429.
I decided to make a chamber cast and the casting was fine except it was too long and i couldn't get it out of the action (Facepalm).
I needed to disassemble the rifle to get the bolt out and slide the chamber cast out to the rear of the action.
Now, after i have reassembled to rifle it functions fine until the butt is replaced. Without the butt it cycles and works as expected.
As soon as the butt is slid into place (without the tang screw) the trigger cannot be pulled and the hammer won't drop.
I'm pulling what little hair i have left out trying to figure out whats causing the problem.
Does anyone have any ideas what it could be? I have checked and re-checked. I can't see anything bent or broken.