Author Topic: Sticky firing pin (Read 400 times)

Wally · « **on:** February 07, 2004, 04:24:32 AM »

My 30/30 has been locking up and I noticed that the firing pin is staying
extended some times, not always. Is this a broken spring or some other problem. I have ordered new springs as both my Contenders are old ones. I do not have the easy open conversion.
Any comments as to remedy of the problem.

Thanks.

Wally

Flash · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2004, 04:41:57 AM »

Either the spring is broken or the spring is cruddy and binding up. Remove the barrel, cock the hammer and push the firing pin in with your finger. You can compare the two firing pins and their spring tension. I would use some WD40 on the one that sticks before feeling that it needs to be replaced.

helobill · « **Reply #2 on:** February 07, 2004, 11:43:50 AM »

I had a problem like that with a "reworked" frame I bought. Lots of new parts on it. But the centefire pin and rimfire pin had been switched when it had been reassembled. Drove me nuts for 3 trips to the range. Then I was looking at it and another frame at the same time and realized the rounded end pin was in the wrong place. Probably not your problem since mine would stick almost every time. The sharp edges on the rimfire pin would get 'grabbed' by the primer. Just about had to take it apart to get it to open. Other than that, I'd suggest you take the firing pins out and see if anything is broken. Only takes a screwdriver and an exploded view.
Bill

Wally · « **Reply #3 on:** March 03, 2004, 08:25:09 AM »

Finally figured this one out!
I removed the breeches and throughly cleaned it all and ( it was doing it on both my frames) still same problem, about 1/4 of every box resulted in a stuck firing pin. Upon getting home, I snapped until I got same occurance and with a flashlight I could see the centerfire pin spring retaining flange
was hung up under the flange of the rimfire pin and could not retract.
I then removed the breech and pins and using a fine file, stone, and diamond lap proceeded to slope and round the edges of the firing pin
flanges where they have paralell edge. Thus when they do twist slightly.
the rounded and sloped edge will allow the pin to retract without binding.
Last trip to the range showed occurance only twice with 30/30 and not at all on the 375 Win, that frame had previously been the worst offender.
So! If you encounter hard opening on the old frames, check to see if firing pins are not retracting.