Newbie, Newbie, Newbie! Contender safety question....

[Chowder58]

Simply put, I have what I think is a 1978 Contender, and the hammer has, what I believe to be, a safety.  A very small "bar" that looks as if it could be pushed left-to-right, within the hammer.  However, it doesn't seem to "function" or perform a service, of any kind, regardless of the status of the firearm....breech opened, cocked, etc.  In other words, it doesn't change it's usage, regardless of the condition or status of the gun.  Does that make sense?  Thank you for your input!

C

[jbj-displays]

Sliding the bar to one side should let a small pin protrude out the face of the hammer which then contacts the frame not letting the hammer strike the firepin.
Justin

[Chowder58]

Thanks for the reply Justin.  But if the safety doesn't really move, I have to assume it's broken, somehow?  In other words, there's a little play in it, but it doesn't really shift back and forth, left or right.  Thank you again!

[SHOOTALL]

The one I had you moved it to go from center fire bbls to rim fire bbls.

[Chowder58]

Ok, based on what I've read thus far, it's definitely the safety, but it does not move (or just a very small amount) and the pin does not come out at all, it remains flush.  Easy to remedy?  Where do I start?  Thanks again folks.

C

[Curtis]

This is a poorly conceived idea for a safety.  If inadvertently the hammer is let fall while the pin is extended, it "peens" the end of the pin.  I would bet that yours has had this happen in the past and now the pin is wedged in the hole.  Tapping the square slide may help, or you my just have to force it.  Or you could leave it alone.  I never use mine as a safety and wouldn't care if it wasn't even on there.
 
Curtis

[Chowder58]

Thank you Curtis, and I am confident that is indeed what is wrong.  If I do force the square slide out, will it do any damage?  Regardless, if I leave it alone, it'll be a perfectly performing Contender, sans a "poorly conceived idea for a safety!"  Thanks again!

C

[Curtis]

The square slide has a wedge shaped profile to push the pin out.  If you force it you should first make sure to oil it good.  I don't think you would hurt it any by using "some" force, but proceed carefully.  In messing with it, you have nothing to gain and more to lose.
 
Curtis