Cadet Action Disassembly


For demonstration purposes, we'll be using a Francotte Martini Cadet. Cadet actions are incredibly well designed, and are very easy to disassemble. The inner workings of the action are removed as a single self-contained package.

The first step is to align the keeper screw to allow the split pin in the lower front portion of the action to be driven out. Some models use a screw instead of a split pin.

Use a properly fitting screwdriver to avoid buggering the slot in the keeper screw.

Flip the Cadet over and drive out the split pin using a punch and rubber mallet. Be careful not to hit the action body with the punch. Hanging the action body off the edge of your work surface is helpful in allowing the pin to exit the other side.

Flip the Cadet over again and remove the split pin completely. Squeezing the upper portion of the pin together with pliers makes removal easier.

Lower the operating lever. With the split pin removed, give a gentle tug downwards on the the trigger guard. The guts of the action will pivot down out of the front of the action body. The rear portion of the guts are held in by a key arrangement. With the guts in the position shown in the picture, give a gentle tug towards the front of the rifle on the trigger guard, and the guts should pop out.

Here's the key I was talking about at the rear of the action body guts. It engages a female counterpart at the rear of the action body.

 

Reassembly Note: You must engage the key at the rear of the action body first, then pivot the front of the action body guts upward. You may have to hold the extractor back with a dental pick, or screwdriver as you seat the front portion of the guts back into the rifle. Also, note that reassembly must be done with the operating lever in the down, or "breech open" position.

The breechblock, operating lever, extractor, and the associated bits can be removed for cleaning by driving out the three pins indicated by the arrows.

Note the curved vertical piece between the extractor and the tines of the operating lever. This is the Francotte Cadet's cocking indicator. When cocked, the tip of this indicator protrudes out of the top right side of the breechblock indicating that the weapon is cocked.

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Questions, comments, something to contribute? Contact me, Jason Atkin, at the address below...

jmatkin@martinihenry.com
Last Modified: 06/07/04