Colt lady derringer won't fire

deer-hunter1

February 14, 2015 14:02

Can't get it to fire. I have replaced the main spring with a new one but it still won't fire. Anyone have a solution

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  T J McGill

  February 14, 2015 14:05

  Have you checked the firing pin? Tried different ammo?

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  nmyers

  February 14, 2015 14:54

  We need a better description of what's happening.
  
  With the chamber empty, ease the hammer all the way forward. The "firing pin" is really the front edge of the hammer. Does it go all the way into the slot in the barrel? Look closely at the hammer & be sure the "firing pin" part is not distorted from dry firing. Also, see a round chambers flush, as the rim area can get peened by dry firing.
  
  Also, be sure that the hammer is at half cock before opening the barrel.
  
  Neal

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  babun

  February 14, 2015 15:10

  Is this the gun in question?
  If so, the hammer tip is the firing pin, is it going forward enuff to crush the primer area?
  

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  rufe-snow

  February 14, 2015 15:24

  They were made by a subcontractor of Colt's. Over 50 years ago. Since they used potmetal=Zinc diecastings, for construction. More a novelty than a practical firearm.
  
  If it has been fired a lot, or altered to fire LR ammo. Probably the internal parts have worn out/down?

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  deer-hunter1

  February 14, 2015 15:28

  The hammer is going all the way into the slot and I can't see any damage to it even tried a different hammer

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  v35

  February 14, 2015 15:46

  DOES the firing pin protrude from the breech face with the hammer full forward?
  I had one of these when they came out. Bullets keyholed into targets.
  As has been said, these Deringers and accessories supplied with cased sets were novelties. If they functioned, it was coincidental.

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  deer-hunter1

  February 14, 2015 15:55

  The hit on the shell doesn't leave much of a mark and yes the firing pin goes fully forwardx

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  v35

  February 14, 2015 16:53

  Either the firing pin doesn't protrude far enough to properly indent the cartridge rim, the cartridge sits too deep in the chamber or the hammer spring hasn't enough force.
  How deep in the chamber does the case sit and how far from the breech face does the firing pin protrude?
  I'm guessing it's the spring which would be the easiest fix.
  If it's the spring and you can't find or make one, we can tell you how to soften, reshape, harden and temper the existing one if you have a propane torch.

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  deer-hunter1

  February 14, 2015 17:22

  Checked the chamber and it measures correct with the go gauge and have replaced the spring with a new one

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  perry shooter

  February 14, 2015 17:25

  Most likely frame has been dented from one or more dry firing. These are POT metal . and not really made to be working guns.

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