Browning 725 ejector retaining pin (screw) popped off

[bigbearbear]

Has anyone experienced the retaining pin (screw) of the Browning 725 popping off and causing the ejector rod to fall off?

This is the pin (screw) in question:

https://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/prod/B1334114

I was shooting trap with my wife and the Browning 725 is hers, during a round, she started having trouble closing the gun and another took a look and the retaining pin fell out. It was impossible to close the gun when the retaining pin pops out as it will interfere with the closing action.

Thankfully, we were able to find both the retaining pin and the ejector rod, and I was able to put the dang thing back together back home. Basically had to unscrew the ejector extension screw, remove the whole ejector assembly and put it back together.

But this does raise the question on the ejector reliability, is this a fluke or common to the Browning 725?

[Bastard]

This happened to Cindy's gun... don't know her last name but she is super young & shoots at the club - I don't know what happened nor do I know the fix but when it happened to her gun it looked like the hole/threads that the pin screws in to were stripped/damaged - be sure to check carefully when putting it back together... If you are unsure find Ron, he is usually down at 5 stand on Tuesdays and Saturdays

[ysr_racer]

It's happened a few times on my 525, now I loctite it in. No big deal.

[bigbearbear]

Thanks, I also posted on trapshooter.com and it seems like an issue that has plagued Browning for a very long time. I'll try Brad's method of securing the pin with loctite and hope it doesn't pop out again.

Others have found success in modifying the ejector with a 1911 spring so that it becomes an extractor only, with less force from the spring, it seems to avoid the issue of the pin becoming loose and eventually popping out.

And why on earth did they make that little pin removable in the first place anyway? Seems to me Browning could've saved everyone the headache by simply using a 1-piece design or welding the pin permanently in place at the factory.

[ysr_racer]

The old one's had a slot where you could tighten them up.

[geedavell]

It's happened a few times on my 525, now I loctite it in. No big deal.

Red or Blue?

[ysr_racer]

Which ever one is removable. Although, it's been so long since one popped out, I'm thinking you can use the non removable one.

[bigbearbear]

Quick update on this. While fixing the ejector extension pin on the lower barrel that had popped off, I decided to check on the pin of the upper barrel as well and perhaps tighten it. The small bottle of red Loctite I bought had plenty left anyway. Interestingly, I discovered that the same ejector extension retaining pin is staked!

Why on earth would Browning stake the pin on the upper barrel and not the lower one, causing it loosen and pop off?

So for those who have purchase a Browning 725 recently, you should remove the ejectors and inspect the ejector extension pin. If it is not staked, I recommend that you unscrew it, put some red loctite on it and screw it back on to avoid it prevent it from popping off.