Clunker Time!

[italiansport]

I was basically given a BRYCO 38' at the gun show this weekend. This "pistol" is all complete but has a functional problem in that it won't cock. I've disassembled it and can find nothing wrong but the firing pin refuses to engage the striker. I've checked the parts, springs in particular, and see nothing wrong. It doesn't matter whether the magazine is in or out.
I know these are basically junk but it bothers me when something won't work for no apparent reason.
Anyone with an idea as to the problem?
Jim

 

[RMFnLA]

No way to tell from this distance...

 

[moongoon]

Bury that Bryco! If you drop the slide with a live round in the chamber, and the firing pin does not lock back when you cock it, IT WILL GO OFF! Nearly blew my finger off with one of those, a Bryco .380. Worse gun I have ever owned and I've had a lot. I sold it to someone I didn't like very much, then he sold it quick too.

 

[Arquebus357]

It's odd that someone who is very familiar with Bryco firearms, takes a malfunctioning one apart and can't find anything wrong with it.

 

[italiansport]

Whoa!! I said I took it apart and can't see anything wrong with it. I have never owned one before and where you got the impression I'm "very familiar" with these escapes me! I am curious as to what the problem is and I don't intend to shoot it or sell it to someone!
Jim

 

[alwslate]

If the firing pin will not engage the sear and lock back when you try to
cock it the problem is probably that the firing pin spring is a non original
replacement and is too long. A common problem with cheap striker
fired guns. A previous owner probably tried to avoid the cost of a factory
replacement spring and didn't realize how critical the spring length is
for proper fit. Cut a couple of coils off of the spring and try it or just
buy a new factory spring.

 

[Arquebus357]

Whoa!! I said I took it apart and can't see anything wrong with it. I have never owned one before and where you got the impression I'm "very familiar" with these escapes me! I am curious as to what the problem is and I don't intend to shoot it or sell it to someone!
Jim

Actually, you said you couldn't "find" anything wrong with it. Hence my snarky response. Sorry to offend

 

[stansdds]

Here is how you repair a Bryco pistol and make it safe!

1. Disassemble the slide and take out the firing pin.
2. Reassemble the slide and place it back onto the receiver.
3. Use pistol as a paperweight.

 

[italiansport]

If the firing pin will not engage the sear and lock back when you try to
cock it the problem is probably that the firing pin spring is a non original
replacement and is too long. A common problem with cheap striker
fired guns. A previous owner probably tried to avoid the cost of a factory
replacement spring and didn't realize how critical the spring length is
for proper fit. Cut a couple of coils off of the spring and try it or just
buy a new factory spring.

Thanks, I'll give this a try. Update: I tried shortening the spring but that didn't improve the situation. It still won't cock.
Jim

 

[alwslate]

Thanks, I'll give this a try. Update: I tried shortening the spring but that didn't improve the situation. It still won't cock.
Jim

Ok, look at the small lug on the firing pin that engages the sear
and the engagement surface on the sear. It could be that some bubba tried to stone the two parts to smooth the trigger pull
and rounded them enough that they will not lock in place. Or
the parts may be soft enough to be worn. Maybe a broken or
weak sear spring will not position the sear high enough for engagement.