Colt saa 45 help
I bought a new ssa a while back and just got around to shooting it. The gun was new and unfired, but the owner had it for a few years. I took the gun to the range and fired two shots, but the third was a failure. Fired the next round, then total failure. The firing pin is barely striking the cartridge now. I changed ammo and the same thing happened yesterday. No rounds would fire. The first time I shot it the rounds that fired had a deep mark on the cartridge, but now it won't fire at all. The previous owner had installed one piece ivory grips. Could he have done anything to the mainspring when he put these grips on. Also I have a new colt unfired in the box. I checked the hammer tension on this gun and it seems to be a lot stronger. Matter of fact it is a lot stronger. Should I just order a new mainspring?
JW
JW
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The oil that Colt used for many years will eventually break down & become gummy. Remove the stocks & spray liberally with a solvent like CLP Break Free, then oil.
Worst case scenario, you will need to pay a gunsmith to take it apart for cleaning. It's unlikely anything is broken.
Neal0 -
Take the cylinder out and let the hammer down from full cock and see how far the firing pin protrudes from the frame. Could be gummed up oil limiting the forward travel.
A full take down for cleaning and perhaps a little stone work on the burrs would be good. A new main spring is always good to have on hand. Original might be weak from improper temper or the holding screw is loose.
http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufacturers/Colt-33188/Revolvers-35751/PFrame-38014/SingleActionArmy-37712.htm0 -
The first thing I'd do is to look from the back end where the hammer goes in to the frame. That little hole may have crap build up. If no then I'd tighten down the little screw on the front strap. If that's "maxed out" as in it looks bottomed out. Then you'll have to either get a longer one or put a patch of leather in between the screw and the hammer spring. Also make sure the hammer springs in it's rightful place.
As for the grips doing something funky?0 -
I wonder if the spacer in that "one piece grip" might not have shifted to contact the mainspring and sap its strength.
But a good cleaning and fresh lube can't hurt.0 -
Just to be sure - WHICH ".45" are you trying to use in it? If gun is made for the .45 Colt, it will NOT work with the .45 ACP. 0 -
send it to me i will take care of the/your problem[;)][}:)][:p] 0 -
quote:Originally posted by jwharding
I bought a new ssa a while back and just got around to shooting it. The gun was new and unfired, but the owner had it for a few years. I took the gun to the range and fired two shots, but the third was a failure. Fired the next round, then total failure. The firing pin is barely striking the cartridge now. I changed ammo and the same thing happened yesterday. No rounds would fire. The first time I shot it the rounds that fired had a deep mark on the cartridge, but now it won't fire at all. The previous owner had installed one piece ivory grips. Could he have done anything to the mainspring when he put these grips on. Also I have a new colt unfired in the box. I checked the hammer tension on this gun and it seems to be a lot stronger. Matter of fact it is a lot stronger. Should I just order a new mainspring?
JW
Went ahead an replaced the main spring. After doing that I started looking a little closer. Seems like I overlooked the firing pin rivet. I knocked it out and found it was in 3 pieces. Ordered one of those and a couple of the tiny ball bearings that go in the pin, figured I'd loose at least one. Think this will fix it if these old fingers can manage to put it back together .[:)] thanks for the tips though, everyone here is always helpful.
JW0
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