Author Topic: Contender Opening when fired (Read 739 times)

Steve Pennington · « **on:** March 12, 2003, 06:48:20 AM »

I have a VVG 300/221 12 inch barrel. I put it on a blue frame that I purchased. The frame until now had only been used with a 22 match barrel. When I fired 3 rounds, 2 barrel opened, 1 failed to fire.

Put barrel on my stainless frame. Functioned flawlessly. Any help appreciated.

helobill · « **Reply #1 on:** March 12, 2003, 10:53:00 AM »

improper headspace causing the barrel not to lock up fully (each frame could have different measurements and your brass could be too long), or your bolts are not properly engaged, and yes some frames are different, or maybe the trigger guard return spring being misadjusted preventing proper lock up. Check the area where the locking bolts from the barrel lock up on the frame, look for obvious damage such as rounding off of the edge in this area. Also ensure your interlock safety is working properly (I'm assuming this is a newer frame). With a barrel not on the frame you should not be able to make the hammer touch the firing pin. If you can then your interlock is not keeping the frame from firing without the barrel being properly locked up. DO NOT FIRE A FRAME IN THIS CONDITION. take it apart and clean it, you can go back to a great reply Gramps posted about a gun that wouldn't fire and read the reason to do this and how (don't just spray it with cleaner and call it done) it's under the "new user" topic. Although he's persona non grata around here, Bellm has a good article on his web site about this problem.
Helicopter Bill

TopGun · « **Reply #2 on:** March 12, 2003, 01:09:18 PM »

It's got to be bad locking lugs, stretched frame, or bad barrel. The 22lr doesn't generate pressure to open a TC, I wouldn't think? I had a 44 amg doing the same thing and it was the barrel lugs--then I purchased a used TC frame and a 30 Herret barrel and replaced it with a 35 Rem Barrel. it opened upon firing, and would not lock up every time. I called TC, they had me send it in, and I recc'd a letter from them requesting the name of a local FFL dealer--they mailed me a BRAND NEW frame! The original was a low numbered frame and they said it was stretched. Obviously the previous owner abused it. TC is king in my book.

Jeff Vicars · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2003, 03:39:57 PM »

I just finished working on Steve's frame. The interlock safety spring needed to be replaced. The barrel has a tight headspace and needs to be slammed shut. BTW I was looking at another frame of Steve's, the interlock safety only worked part of the time. All it needed was tightening(and Loc-tite) the screw holding the interlock. It had backed of about half a turn.