Help...Contender problem

[Mace]

I just bought a used T/C Contender with a .45/.410 barrel. The first couple of shots went great. After that every other shell would not fire. The shell only showed a minor dent on the primer (very minor). The shim on the front of the hammer is rotated down. The shells that did shoot had the primer dented deep. Any ideas?

Thanks

[contendernut]

It could be a couple different things.  Since some of the rounds fired perfectly, I don't think it would be the hammer spring.  

When you load it, you should snap the action closed sharply.  Try that to see if it solves you problem.  The locking bolts on the barrel may be a tad too tall for the frame.

[Steve P]

The locking lugs on the barrel assy are not tripping the butterfly in the frame assy.  Your safety bar is not dropping out of the way so the hammer hits the safety bar rather than the firing pin.  A firing pin that is a little long may leave a visible "ding" in the primer, but does not hit hard enough to ignite the primer.  

Prior post is right on.  Close that action with a good firm "snap".  Don't slam it shut.  Another thing to look for is powder residue where the rim of the shells fits into the chamber or residue with-in the chamber (especially if shooting 2.5 or 2.75 inch shells in  3 inch chamber) that will keep the new loads from entering the chamber fully when the action closes.  

You can put a dab of tetra gun grease or other gun grease on the top side of those locking lugs.  A little grease goes a long way in helping them seat properly to trip the butterfly.

Have fun and enjoy the new gun!!

Steve