Misfiring SS 22

dakotashooter2

February 12, 2003 06:11

I have two Agawam Arms M68 single shot 22s. These are clones to the Ithaca M49 saddle gun. One was given to me by my father in the early 70s the other I purchase in the early 80s neither has been fired more than a few rounds since the mid 80s at which time they both functioned perfectly. In the past couple of years when I have tried to shoot them they misfire 2 out of 3 shots. I checked for broken or worn firing pins, weak hammer springs and other obvious problems. These have a "bar" type firing pin with some built in travel stops which I have touched up to permit more travel, but to no avail. This is confusing because as stated they worked fine when last used. One question in my mind has been a headspace problem. The ammunition that worked with these guns was from a stock that was probably 25 years old and was depleted several years ago. The problem seems to be with the newer ammo. Have rim dimensions changed that would effect the headspace this way headspace I have tried at least a dozen type/brands, all with the same results.[?][?][?][?]

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  kingjoey

  February 12, 2003 06:23

  Check your headspace, I'm betting the bolt is loose and "shortening" the firing pin strike. A good cleaning could be in order also. Don't cut on the pin though, if it overstrikes it could puncture the cases and possibly damage the gun.

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  j2k22

  February 12, 2003 07:20

  ammo has not changed. Take a look at the indent in the rim caused by the f/p. If it is not deep enough to cause ignition, you have something that id holding the f/p away from the rim. Could be a buildup of congealed oil inside the bolt, or debris between the bolt face and the rear of the bbl.
  Weak hammer spring from being stored cocked for 20 years could also be a candidate. Good luck!

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  dakotashooter2

  February 22, 2003 20:53

  I think I finally figured this out. I ordered some parts for the model 68 and ordered a few extra firing pin springs which seem to get lost during disassembly. I recall the M 49 springs to be "substitutes" which I rounded up after losing the originals. Lo and behold the new one were longer allowing the hammer to make better contact with the firing pin. One problem solved. Now the M 68 "new" firing pin is causing problems. There seems to be a lot of side to side play and the firing pin appears to be just barely catching the rim. I may have to have someone build up the side of the pin to eliminate the slop hopefully without ruining the temper of the pin.

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