Author Topic: Contender Won't Fire !!!!!!  (Read 1057 times)

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Offline northman

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Contender Won't Fire !!!!!!
« on: February 01, 2009, 05:37:21 AM »
Went to shoot my contender today and it won't fire. Seems like the hammer is stopping short of hitting the firing pin. I put a piece of paper between the hammer and the breechblock and pulled the trigger to see if it is making contact, but it is not. Barrel seems to be locking up, whats causing this? Really don't want to tear into it until I get an idea what may be wrong.
Thanks!
Gary

Offline Keith L

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Re: Contender Won't Fire !!!!!!
« Reply #1 on: February 01, 2009, 08:35:29 AM »
That can happen if the locking bolts don't lock up completely.  Try giving the locking bolts and the area in the frame where they engage a good cleaning.  If that doesn't do it try closing the action rapidly and see if that helps.
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."  Benjamin Franklin

Offline chazgin

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Re: Contender Won't Fire !!!!!!
« Reply #2 on: February 01, 2009, 10:17:04 AM »
Wouldn't be the firing pin selector moved to safe?

Offline DEACONLLB

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Re: Contender Won't Fire !!!!!!
« Reply #3 on: February 01, 2009, 11:22:49 AM »
I too would like to know as I have one frame that only works on center fire. It is the older frame that you have to move the selector with a screw driver.
Deaconllb
Korean war vet. NRA Member
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Offline Steve P

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Re: Contender Won't Fire !!!!!!
« Reply #4 on: February 02, 2009, 03:09:42 AM »
Some of the early frames had pins in the trigger assembly that made contact with the firing pin.  They were notorious for falling out and/or not hitting the firing pin.  I would check your selector to ensure you have a pin in your hammer that can make contact with the firing pin in your frame.  Another option is a broken firing pin.  Also, as stated before, locking lugs not tripping the butterfly.

Steve :)
"Life is a play before an audience of One.  When your play is over, will your audience stand and applaude, or stay seated and cry?"  SP 2002

Offline blhof

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Re: Contender Won't Fire !!!!!!
« Reply #5 on: February 02, 2009, 03:30:35 AM »
If you can't get it to work, after the above suggestions; call Thompson.  I've had good luck with them in the past.

Offline northman

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Re: Contender Won't Fire !!!!!!
« Reply #6 on: February 02, 2009, 08:23:45 AM »
It's the locking bolts. I have the info to fix it now, Thanks to all for your help.