Model 15 / missfire

OODA · 11-02-2009, 03:10 PM

Recently repaired this old gun by replacing a missing firing pin. It doesn't fire when the trigger is pulled. Upon inspection of the rim of the shell I can see that the firing pin his hitting the shell. I did pull back on the cocking knob and with the trigger depressed was able to get the gun to fire ( an empty shell of course ) when I released the knob. Before I spend the $62 for a new bolt do you think the mainspring could need replacing. It has probably been used a time or two over the years.

JD

G. Green · 11-02-2009, 04:00 PM

Did you check the tension screw on the mainspring to see if somebody's been working on it with a file causing a light hammer fall?

OODA · 11-02-2009, 07:48 PM

As a matter of fact, I just took apart the bolt assembly. I noticed some wear marks on the cocking piece and the end of the mainspring tension screw. I moved the tension screw to the max in both directions but nothing. I noticed that the tension screw when tightened all the way down hits the pin of the extractor. For testing purposes I removed the extractor tightened the tension screw down and tested again, nothing.

Perhaps I need a little "Gunsmithing for Dummies". Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated.

Big Dog · 11-03-2009, 09:40 AM

How about the front of the firing pin - okay or worn down? It's pretty common for older rifles to have severely worn firing pins that don't hit the cartridge properly. Replacing it may solve the issue.
Oops - reread - you DID replace the FP. Is it a light strike, or good strike? Have you tried different ammo?

OODA · 11-03-2009, 10:45 AM

That's the next thing. I 'm using an old box of Winchesters that my father-in law had in his drawer. He's probably had them as long as he's had this old gun. As soon as I can get to town I'll pick up a new box. Of course I 'll probably have to fill out an order form, put down a deposit and get finger printed.

11-02-2009, 03:10 PM	#1
OODA Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: California Posts: 4	Model 15 / missfire Recently repaired this old gun by replacing a missing firing pin. It doesn't fire when the trigger is pulled. Upon inspection of the rim of the shell I can see that the firing pin his hitting the shell. I did pull back on the cocking knob and with the trigger depressed was able to get the gun to fire ( an empty shell of course ) when I released the knob. Before I spend the $62 for a new bolt do you think the mainspring could need replacing. It has probably been used a time or two over the years. JD

11-03-2009, 09:40 AM	#4
Big Dog Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 12,906	How about the front of the firing pin - okay or worn down? It's pretty common for older rifles to have severely worn firing pins that don't hit the cartridge properly. Replacing it may solve the issue. Oops - reread - you DID replace the FP. Is it a light strike, or good strike? Have you tried different ammo? __________________ "A bold spirit embiggens the smallest man!" Jebediah Springfield

11-02-2009, 04:00 PM	#2
G. Green Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NE OK Posts: 464	Did you check the tension screw on the mainspring to see if somebody's been working on it with a file causing a light hammer fall?

11-02-2009, 07:48 PM	#3
OODA Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: California Posts: 4	As a matter of fact, I just took apart the bolt assembly. I noticed some wear marks on the cocking piece and the end of the mainspring tension screw. I moved the tension screw to the max in both directions but nothing. I noticed that the tension screw when tightened all the way down hits the pin of the extractor. For testing purposes I removed the extractor tightened the tension screw down and tested again, nothing. Perhaps I need a little "Gunsmithing for Dummies". Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated.

11-03-2009, 10:45 AM	#5
OODA Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: California Posts: 4	That's the next thing. I 'm using an old box of Winchesters that my father-in law had in his drawer. He's probably had them as long as he's had this old gun. As soon as I can get to town I'll pick up a new box. Of course I 'll probably have to fill out an order form, put down a deposit and get finger printed.