New Departure 2nd Model firing pin question

[StevethePirate]

All, I just picked up a 38 New Departure 2nd Model from an auction. I went to function check the gun, including a single dry fire (I understand that it risks the firing pin spring, but I was willing to deal with that).



With the trigger pulled, the firing pin did not protrude from the frame. I tried to loosen the strain screw a bit and the firing pin protruded on its own, but did not return with the trigger reset. When I tightened the strain screw again, the firing pin retreated into the frame but would not protrude with a trigger press.

Is this likely from a broken firing pin spring or is there any other issue I should be aware of?


Thanks!

 

[mmaher94087]

I suspect that the firing pin went out of the frame as if striking the primer and then retracted faster than one can see. These revolvers have 'rebounding hammers' and the pin will retract in the blink of an eye. Hold a penny or a block of wood over the firing pin hole and pull the trigger and see what happens. I used to have fun with this as I often told folks to hold their thumb over the firing pin hole. I was accused of a problem with my heritage, so I quit that.

 

[mojave30cal]

That firing pin moves very fast. Place a piece of an index card
in between the rear of the cylinder and the firing pin hole. Pull
the trigger. Remove the piece of index card and see if there
is a hole made by the firing pin. Make sure the main spring
strain screw is in tight.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,


I like to use a pencil. Pull the trigger to cock the revolver, then
insert the pencil, eraser first, down the barrel and let the e-
raser rest against the recoil shield (by pointing the gun up).
Then finish the trigger pull and see if the pencil jumps.


Cheers!
Webb

 

[StevethePirate]

Thanks for the help! Checked it out like you guys said and wouldn't you know it, the firing pin works fine. You really saved me a lot of time and hassle.

 

[mmaher94087]

Dang! I missed a thumb blister tirade.....

 

[mojave30cal]

That's why we are here.