Old Contender misfires

Sam Autrey · 06-02-2008, 10:10 AM

I recently purchased an old contender (+30 years ) with a 357 Rem Max barrel. It occassionaly does not fire when the hammer falls. The primer shows a light impact. The gun usually fires on the second strike. I'm wondering if the transfer bar is not getting out of the way. Would anyone have experience with this problem and is it something requires shipping the gun to TC? I'd appreciate any input.

Thanks

Texan4life · 06-02-2008, 09:07 PM

I have a .222 Rem barrel that does the same thing sometimes. None of my others do this, just the .222. I think it has to do with the brass after I reload it. Since it is a cartridge that headspaces off of the neck or taper. However the .357 max headspaces off of the rim, so you should not have that problem. I would use a feeler guage to check the headspace (Gap between the barrel and the frame by the firing pin). It should be .001 between the CARTRIDGE BASE AND THE BREECH FACE. It is not between the breech of the barrel and the breech face. Check out bellmtcs.com he has a lot of good information on this subject. I also would check the frame out with other barrels to see if the problem occurs with other barrels. If it does, you could possibly have a frame that has stretched a little. Good luck and keep us posted on how this all turns out.

Sam Autrey · 06-05-2008, 07:57 PM

I think I have it figured out at this point. The barrel is not locking totally in place. It seems tight but the locking lugs do not engage deeply enough to unlock the hammer block. If I slam it shut it works fine. I guess it's just an old gun and needs to go to TC for refurbishing.

Thanks for the input

06-02-2008, 10:10 AM	#1
Sam Autrey Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2	Old Contender misfires I recently purchased an old contender (+30 years ) with a 357 Rem Max barrel. It occassionaly does not fire when the hammer falls. The primer shows a light impact. The gun usually fires on the second strike. I'm wondering if the transfer bar is not getting out of the way. Would anyone have experience with this problem and is it something requires shipping the gun to TC? I'd appreciate any input. Thanks

06-02-2008, 09:07 PM	#2
Texan4life Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 37	I have a .222 Rem barrel that does the same thing sometimes. None of my others do this, just the .222. I think it has to do with the brass after I reload it. Since it is a cartridge that headspaces off of the neck or taper. However the .357 max headspaces off of the rim, so you should not have that problem. I would use a feeler guage to check the headspace (Gap between the barrel and the frame by the firing pin). It should be .001 between the CARTRIDGE BASE AND THE BREECH FACE. It is not between the breech of the barrel and the breech face. Check out bellmtcs.com he has a lot of good information on this subject. I also would check the frame out with other barrels to see if the problem occurs with other barrels. If it does, you could possibly have a frame that has stretched a little. Good luck and keep us posted on how this all turns out. Last edited by Texan4life; 06-02-2008 at 09:08 PM. Reason: typing

06-05-2008, 07:57 PM	#3
Sam Autrey Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2	Oll Contender Misfires I think I have it figured out at this point. The barrel is not locking totally in place. It seems tight but the locking lugs do not engage deeply enough to unlock the hammer block. If I slam it shut it works fine. I guess it's just an old gun and needs to go to TC for refurbishing. Thanks for the input