Cycling Problems with Franchi I-12

[Singlereed]

I am putting this out there to see if anyone else is having this problem with their I-12 or other inertia driven actions. My gun seems to have problems cycling during cold weather. I have noticed this before but today I went hunting, temperature was about 23 degF without windchill, and the gun would not cycle a second shot. I have seen it cycle slowly when loading a shell but never on the second shot. I clean the gun regularly but I have heard of people using too much oil on the action which starts to gum up when the temperatures drop. Any input from guys who have experienced this problem or have heard of this happening would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Bababooey]

I think you have probably nailed it. Depending on the lube you used, it might have gummed up with the cold temps. The browning, "First lube"(I think that is the name of it) has given me trouble in the past in 20 degree weather. Try breakfree, I have never had a problem with it.

Also, a lot of people in real cold weather wear a lot of layers and thick clothing. This a lot of times leads to the gun never being firmly rested on the shoulder which is a MUST for an inertia driven gun to cycle.

[duckter]

Have read in last Field & Stream issue of these outfitters in Argentina that clean with diesel fuel. These guys furnish their hunters with Benelli's and Beretta's exclusively. Customers are shooting 1000 rounds/day and they cannot afford for a gun to "go down" in the field.

The say it's a great cleaner and leaves just the right amount of lubrication. Would guess that stuff has a very low freezing point. I will be trying it soon.

[quack fiend]

+1 on the break-free CLP, my A-5 and baikal both love it in cold weather.

[GulfCoast]

I have used CLP in South Dakota hunting in single digit temps several times without it gumming up. Its hard to beat it. A little lube goes a long way.

[bonaire11]

I have an i12 and had a problem cycling the 2nd shot, so i took the thing apart and ther is a plastic piece that stops the 2nd shell when the first is fired as it comes out of the magazine. take the trigger assembly out and look over it really well and if this small piece broke, you will have problems like you describe. that plastic is more likely to break during the cold. i called them and sent it in they fixed it and i have had no problem in 3 years. i have no idea when my broke, cause even without that plastic piece it cycled sometimes, i just new something was wrong