Martini Henry Mk IV Stuck Striker

[MauserMike]

I've picked up one of the IMA untouched Mk IV rifles. The action wouldn't move but I managed to get it all apart.

The breech block is apart with the striker spring out but the striker is quite solidly stuck inside the breech block in the forward position with the pin protruding. I've been soaking it in PB blaster for about 24 hours but no luck getting it free yet.

Its a bit awkward of a piece to try and get out. I have a set of brass punches and a brass hammer. I can get a brass punch into the tumbler slot and tap but I haven't gone nuts. Is it safe to tap the protruding firing pin with a soft hammer?

What about heat? Are any of these parts heat treated? Is there risk to heating them up?

If anyone has some advice, I would appreciate it greatly.

Information

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[MauserMike]

Not much response here... After much perseverance, soaking with kroil, it came loose after I used a brass punch on the end of the protruding firing pin. Unfortunately the tip had rusted and although it came out intact, it broke off just pinching it in my fingers.

Will have to add that to my list of things.

[browningautorifle]

To be honest, this is the first time I saw this post...but you seem to have the solution anyway and that may be as good as it gets. Now you need replacement parts...?

[jamie5070]

IMA or ebay

[browningautorifle]

IMA is a good bet.

[MauserMike]

yes IMA is the plan. I just want to get farther into disassembly to make sure I get everything in one shipment.

[englishman_ca]

Order a new part, but in the interim if you needed to shoot it, cut back the broken striker tip and drill the center for a decapping pin. Make it a drive fit or solder it into place.

I made this 'temporary fix' in a couple of rifles and they have held up for years.

[MauserMike]

Cool tip (no pun intended) thanks! I've spent a few vacations up Burk's Falls way on Pickerel Lake

I wanted to make sure she's safe to shoot before getting setup for reloading. I've got everything in pieces and aside from a minor amount of barrel pitting, the broken striker and one broken screw on the recoil piece on the handguard, I think I'm good to go. Just waiting to see if IMA does a sale for boxing day while I clean the yak's mess off of it all.

I also need to figure out how to get the broken part of the screw out of the handguard so I can get the replacement in. Any tips would be appreciated.

[englishman_ca]

one broken screw on the recoil piece on the handguard,

Huh? This a MH Mk.IV, right?

Not too sure as to what you mean. A pic would explain.

[MauserMike]

IMA calls it a "P-1885 MkIV Stock Fore-end Reinforcement Bar Screw Set"