[Bindernut]

A co-worker has a Charles Daly semi-auto 12ga that has a broken charging handle. It's sheared off clean in the bolt.
As far as I can find info it's the early (round-pin handle) version of the Akkar-built shotguns.

He had the same problem happen with it once before and sent it back to KBI when they were still importing them.
It sheared handle #2 shortly after he got it back so it's been sitting in the corner collecting dust for a few years now.

Has anyone else worked with this model and seen a similar problem?
I suspect it's shearing off by the guy slamming the bolt home on an empty chamber (or even with the barrel removed) but I'm not sure. I hate to order a new charging handle for him just see it shear off again after a few rounds.

 

[Helix_FR]

Ive seen the same thing and it was always bc of people closing the bolts w/o the barrels in. The handles don't really have enough mass to cause fatigue from lash.

 

[Jim K]

KBI is no longer in business, but you might try here for parts:

http://www.akkar-usa.com

The alternative would be to have a handle made.

Jim

 

[Bindernut]

Thanks for the replies!

Ive seen the same thing and it was always bc of people closing the bolts w/o the barrels in. The handles don't really have enough mass to cause fatigue from lash.

That's my thinking what is causing it. I know I was always cautioned never to let a semi-auto shotgun slam home on an empty chamber (or EVER with the barrel removed) by pushing the bolt release. Even a good quality brand nameneeds the action of chambering a round to cushion the bolt travel.

The handle is a really crappy quality cast piece. It's very porous where it sheared off, so I figured I'd ask if it's a common problem with this model.

KBI is no longer in business, but you might try here for parts:
The alternative would be to have a handle made.
Jim

Yup, KBI closed up a couple years ago.
I've already got the handle located but haven't ordered it yet. Numrich has em.
Akkar doesn't have the early-style round pin handle in stock...the newer models have a heavier oval shaped pin on the handle. That's what got me thinking it's a design flaw and they beefed it up.

Making a handle would be a fairly easy project. I might try that if yet if he shears another handle. Would definitely be a spare-time project just to keep busy on slow days at work though.
A nice piece of billet steel would double the value of the gun!
Yeah, I'm not that impressed by the quality of this thing.