trigger reset/firing pin issues?

[rycerz]

So on my .380 colt government I have encountered an odd problem: if I reset the trigger and don't release it all the way out between shots looks like the firing pin always drops. If I recock and pull the trigger again it strikes and fires (I know there are no strikes because I looked at the primer couple times). On the other hand if I release the trigger all the way between the shots it always shoots.

Thoughts?

[inboost]

My guess would be the firing pin safety has something to do with it. Check to make sure the ejector is articulating the firing pin safety correctly. The ejector drops as you pull the trigger allowing the firing pin safety to fall out of the way of the firing pin (assisted by spring under the rear sight). Perhaps when you go slowly the drag from gunk, etc is overcoming the spring's ability to push the firing pin plunger completely out of the way. The next time you drop the hammer and it doesn't fire, don't move your finger, but re-cock the hammer and then push on the firing pin with a small punch to see if it can go past the firing pin safety. I would get the feel for this on an EMPTY and UNLOADED gun first, and then be very careful when you do this live at the firing line.

[DVSmith]

Originally Posted by inboost

My guess would be the firing pin safety has something to do with it. Check to make sure the ejector is articulating the firing pin safety correctly. The ejector drops as you pull the trigger allowing the firing pin safety to fall out of the way of the firing pin (assisted by spring under the rear sight). Perhaps when you go slowly the drag from gunk, etc is overcoming the spring's ability to push the firing pin plunger completely out of the way. The next time you drop the hammer and it doesn't fire, don't move your finger, but re-cock the hammer and then push on the firing pin with a small punch to see if it can go past the firing pin safety. I would get the feel for this on an EMPTY and UNLOADED gun first, and then be very careful when you do this live at the firing line.

Excellent advice!

I vote for the gunk theory too. But please let us know the outcome of your test and any other observations. You have excellent analytical skills, so look at the exploded diagram again and again.

[rycerz]

thanks guys: I"ll probably play with the unloaded gun on Wednesday and see what I can find out and then I"ll probably viist the rane over the weekend too I'll strip the slide and clean it though I'm pretty sure that it only has no more then 100 rounds since a detail cleaning.

[inboost]

Then you might check to make sure the ejector is cycling up and down with slow trigger movements.

Again, empty the gun, no ammo in sight, but get your magazines out and have them empty and available for testing.

Pull the slide off, pop the ejector back up to it's working position, and work the trigger. As you pull it should fall, as you let go it should go back up. You can do this with the hammer forward and safety off, or with the hammer back and the safety on. Just don't let the hammer fall without the slide on the gun. Then do this with each mag you own in the gun to see if the ejector is hung up by the mag. The ejector falls over the top of the rear corner of the mag, and doesn't fall as much as it could if the magazine wasn't there (this is normal). If you think you have a mag that might be reducing the ejector's swing, put the slide back on, put the mag in, leave the safety on, and pull the trigger to the rear. Use a small punch to press the firing pin in. If the pin moves full stroke then it's working correctly and nothing should be changed. Try this with some upward pressure on the magazine base as well. You should also check to see if the ejector rod is flat, not bent to the left or right side of the gun.

[Dan M.]

Originally Posted by rycerz

thanks guys: I"ll probably play with the unloaded gun on Wednesday and see what I can find out and then I"ll probably viist the rane over the weekend too I'll strip the slide and clean it though I'm pretty sure that it only has no more then 100 rounds since a detail cleaning.

We didn't connect over the weekend. Do you still want to borrow my trigger gauge?

[rycerz]

Originally Posted by Dan M.

We didn't connect over the weekend. Do you still want to borrow my trigger gauge?

Dan, sorry about not sending you a message: it was a different project and I found a different way to figure it out. Thanks.

[Dan M.]

Originally Posted by rycerz

Dan, sorry about not sending you a message: it was a different project and I found a different way to figure it out. Thanks.

No worries! I'm glad you found a work-around.

[rycerz]

So... I took it appart and it's clean as a whistle. I put it back together and can't reproduce the issue while dry firing (I'm shooting a pencil to get a feel for if the firing pin engages or not).

[inboost]

Good idea on the pencil! Make sure you've got mags in the gun to see if the ejector is hitting the mag. Push up on the base of the mag too.

[rycerz]

Originally Posted by inboost

Good idea on the pencil! Make sure you've got mags in the gun to see if the ejector is hitting the mag. Push up on the base of the mag too.

I did and I did... and it was same mag I had at the range (only one which made things easier )