Model 83 - Problem

[Silvertp]

Was shooting my FA .475 Linebaugh at the range yesterday.

In the middle of a cylinder the hammer would only come perhaps 1/3 of the way back, appeared to be under no spring tension, and would just stay there unless pushed forward.  The cylinder would move a few degrees then felt like it was starting to come under tension.

Didn't want to force anything so brought it home with 3 loaded rounds in the cylinder.

What do you folks think is causing this problem?  And how do I go about fixing it?  I at least need to get the cylinder out and emptied in case I need to return it to Freedom Arms.

All this right when hunting season opens...dang!!

Silvertp

[paul105]

KEEPING IN MIND THAT THE GUN IS STILL LOADED, I'd pull the grip panels and see if anything is wrong with the mainspring or if the mainspring nut worked itself loose and the mainspring jumped the mainspring bolt.

If not readily appearant, call FA and ask to speak with a gunsmith -- they can usually diagnose the problem over the phone.

Paul

[doghawg]

Silvertp

 I had an experience somewhat similar to this with an early production (1985) model 83. I was plinking at a steel swinger and lost track of which shot I was on. I dropped the hammer on an already fired case (shot #6 from a 5 shot)  and the gun tied up in a similar fashion to what you describe. Like you, I was smart enough not to force anything but did notice the firing pin had not sprung back. The second hammer fall on an already fired primer drove the firing pin into the primer cup a little deeper...obviously deep enough to cause it to stick.

 I took a section of cleaning rod with a plastic jag on it and from the muzzle gave the inside of the primer a light tap.....BINGO. I haven't had any issues like this since then but often wonder if this isn't how some firing pins get broken. My gun may have a particularly heavy hammer fall....Or a slightly weak firing pin spring...Or maybe it's something to do with the shape of this particular firing pin. It may get sent to FA at some future date for a firing pin upgrade but in the meantime it shoots so good that it don't need fixin'!

 I don't know if this helps you any but it's something to check. FWIW

[Bob Baker]

Silvertp, has this problem been sorted out yet?

If not, give us a call.  Lets get this sorted out so you have the gun for hunting.

[Silvertp]

Thanks all.  Problem Solved!!!   

Sorry I took so long to reply, but I have been busy living the American dream.  Been archery hunting for moose, and the 83 was to be my "failsafe" if some rut-crazed bull were to sidestep my arrow and decide to use me for a dance floor. 

As many suggested I contacted Freedom Arms and asked for Bob Baker.  The lady that answered the phone said Bob was out and would be in tomorrow.  I explained my situation and she suggested I talk to John, the gunsmith.

What a great (and patient) gentleman.  John talked me thru several trouble-shooting steps, got the cylinder removed and determined that the mainspring had slipped out from under the hammer and was resting against the inside of the grip handle...thus the symptoms I first described.  John said the problem was a combination of heavy recoil (tell me about it) and a slightly short mainspring.  He said he would get a longer mainspring in the mail right away.  In the meantime he told me how to reposition the mainspring and suggested that I could place a thin piece of wire in the bottom of the pocket where the spring rests at the bottom of the grip frame.  This effectively lengthens the mainspring and prevents future problems such as I had experienced. 

I am really impressed with this type of service.  Start to finish probably 30 minutes from "locked-up" to a functioning handgun.

Another example of fine customer service provided by the folks at Freedom Arms.  I couldn't be happier with my experience with them.

Well in a few short hours I'll be heading back to moose-camp, this time I'll be packing some real back-up heat if the need arises.

Silvertp