Yesterday when I took the Cherokee out, I also too out the Hawken that I had installed the tang peep on so I could sight it in. Well I loaded her up with her favorite load and laid her across the sand bags. I pulled back the hammer and started to line her up but the sight picture was a bit high. So, I lifted up the forearm and "bumped" it against the front bag to lower it a bit.
When the forearm came down on the bag - KABOOM. Scared the crap out of me cause I was not expecting that! I pulled the hammer back to remove the spent cap and it fell forward.
Well, I thought, I have a dangerous situation here with this old girl. I put it up and came home. Stripping her down, I noticed that the rod that goes through the coil spring was bent on the end. Also it appears that the sear engagement is worn on both mating parts causing rounded edges. The combination of the two conditions would allow the hammer to drop forward on its own or with only some slight forward pressure. You can tell by looking at my rifles that this is not neglect. It is purely a case of wear. This lock has to be 25 to 30 years old. I could not tell you how many thousands of cycles this lock went through.
I could probably fix her myself but with the lifetime warranty, I'm sending it out. (who knows, maybe they will send me a brand new lock?)

Well number 1, glad to hear no one was hurt. That could have been bad real quick. Secondly, I agree, send it back. No sense in messing with it yourself w/the TC Warrenty.

Hope all goes well. That'll wake you up won't it?

I had a CVA that did the same thing. When it happened on the range it scared the you know what out of me. To make sure it was the rifle and not something I did, I loaded it again, aimed it down range, ****ed it, capped it and held it. As I moved it around to get ready for the shot it went off the second time. After that the next thing I did after cleaning it was sent it back to CVA. They fixed it of course. I would suggest you do the same thing.

I bet they will replace the lock. Much easier for them, probably cheaper in the long run too with no labor involved.

I had sent my lock out last monday (2/22) and I called today. The nice lady told me that the lock was received on the 25th and is being looked at right now by a gunsmith. With any luck, I should have it when I return from my FL vacation (or should I say my wife's FL vacation - I'd just as soon head to the mountains with a few rifles).

So you're going to Florida and leaving the Hawken home "unlocked"?

You are nuts - completely nuts. You know that don't you?

Semi
The least Bronko could do is let you babyset the Hawken.

And have him alone, unlocked, with those sinful sisters and virtous cousin....? I think not...He would probably come back to me with some kind of corrosion or some other STD.

How dare you!!! Sure, the Sinful Sisters may engage in a week end of banging every now and then, but I assure you their bores are clean. They insist on protection.

And the Virtuous Cousin is still a virgin.