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Colt lady derringer won't fire
deer-hunter1
Member Posts: 173 ✭✭
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
Comments
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
If so, the hammer tip is the firing pin, is it going forward enuff to crush the primer area?
If it has been fired a lot, or altered to fire LR ammo. Probably the internal parts have worn out/down?
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.
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.