When To Change the Firing Pin Spring

[Sixgun]

I've been getting light primer strikes with a Defiance action. I've been told to change the spring and clean inside the bolt. The latter makes sense to me but not the former. There's like 60lbs of pressure on that spring there's no way that could be the problem could it? There's about 2500 on it. It doesn't seem to be a problem for a handgun with a 18 or 19lb hammer spring...plus with resistance from its firing pin spring? What do you think?

 

[mikeeg02]

How are you measuring 60# of pressure on the spring?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I've been getting light primer strikes with a Defiance action. I've been told to change the spring and clean inside the bolt. The latter makes sense to me but not the former. There's like 60lbs of pressure on that spring there's no way that could be the problem could it? There's about 2500 on it. It doesn't seem to be a problem for a handgun with a 18 or 19lb hammer spring...plus with resistance from its firing pin spring? What do you think?

push down on a bathroom scale with it. Im betting its approx 23lbs, lighter than 17 or so theres your problem

 

[Sixgun]

Welp...I'd have to hang a 23lb scale from it to check its weight....I have to pull the spring to check its weight not push on it.

 

[Sixgun]

How are you measuring 60# of pressure on the spring?

I just mean there's alot a tension.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Welp...I'd have to hang a 23lb scale from it to check its weight....I have to pull the spring to check its weight not push on it.

Not sure what you mean but to correctly check the spring pressure you remove the firing pin assy, hold the shroud and push the firing pin tip down on a scale. An extra stout aftermarket spring will read about 23lbs

 

[Sixgun]

Not sure what you mean but to correctly check the spring pressure you remove the firing pin assy, hold the shroud and push the firing pin tip down on a scale. An extra stout aftermarket spring will read about 23lbs

I'm sorry...I had it in my mind it had pulling tension because I put its notch in a shim clammed in a vise and PULL and turn. But I just try it though and it's not registering on the scale...a digital 'Weight Watchers'.

 

[BartsBullets]

I'm sorry...I had it in my mind it had pulling tension because I put its notch in a shim clammed in a vise and PULL and turn. But I just try it though and it's not registering on the scale...a digital 'Weight Watchers'.

Listen to Dusty! He’s 100 percent correct!

Bart

 

[Sixgun]

Yup...he sure is!

 

[Sixgun]

Not sure what you mean but to correctly check the spring pressure you remove the firing pin assy, hold the shroud and push the firing pin tip down on a scale. An extra stout aftermarket spring will read about 23lbs

If I were to change the spring...what tool should I use?

 

[Sixgun]

I'm sorry...I had it in my mind it had pulling tension because I put its notch in a shim clammed in a vise and PULL and turn. But I just try it though and it's not registering on the scale...a digital 'Weight Watchers'.

BTW...that's was pushing down on the firing pin.

 

[STS]

Band Aids are good to have around when doing the test. Don't ask me how I know.

 

[mikeeg02]

Not sure what you mean but to correctly check the spring pressure you remove the firing pin assy, hold the shroud and push the firing pin tip down on a scale. An extra stout aftermarket spring will read about 23lbs

I put a piece of plate on the scale, the put a hole saw on top of that (zero the scale, I usually use a table top mail scale), and put the firing pin through one of the holes so the pressure it on the "flange" (or stop)of the firing pin, instead of the tip. I wouldnt want to mess up the tip, or the pin at all, so I figure using the "flange" is safer.

If I were to change the spring...what tool should I use?

I dont have that action, but its probably just standard Remington cloned bolt, so standard Remington style tools.

 

[mikeeg02]

Like this.

Im sure you could make something nicer. But I usually have a hole saw laying around lol

 

[Chuckhunter]

If I were to change the spring...what tool should I use?

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1007013918

This is what I use to change the springs on my Borden BRM, Rem 700's and Ruger M77. Very simple, works great.

 

[Raythemanroe]

Springs are cheap and winter needs projects..lol


Ray

 

[mikeeg02]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1007013918

This is what I use to change the springs on my Borden BRM, Rem 700's and Ruger M77. Very simple, works great.

This ones a couple dollars more but has a nice handle, so no other tools required Though that one you can probably turn the body. This is what I have.

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...lair-remington-mainspring-tool-prod35017.aspx

 

[Sixgun]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1007013918

This is what I use to change the springs on my Borden BRM, Rem 700's and Ruger M77. Very simple, works great.

There we go! Plus, it looks small enough to put in my field kit!

 

[shotdown]

Defiance ships their actions with a 24lb spring unless you request the 18lb spring. I have a Deviant action with more than 2500 rds and it is still fine, but you can replace it to eliminate that as a cause.
Maybe try different primer? Also, check the headspace if you can. Try a different trigger?

 

[fyrewall]

One of my old 98 type, FN Mausers would not go bang so I installed a 24 pound spring. Reliable ignition but more difficult to cock. When I removed the cocking piece from the pin (no tool, simple operation on a Mauser, depress & 1/4 turn) I avoided pushing on the tip pf the spring - stuck the pin into a 1/4 inch hole in aluminum plate resting on enlarged part of fining pin just in front of spring. I don't know Mauser terminology. Instead of going CLICK! the Mausers go CLACK and strike the primer with authority - needed in muddy, cold, dirty, conditions.

Lots of congealed oil/crud inside bolt in cold temps can prevent normal firing pin fall. I have started using Hornady 1 shot cleaner/lube inside bolt and watch for shiny spots on spring that could indicate spring rubbing against inside of bolt.