I just bought my daughter a Ruger MKIII 22/45 for a inexspensive way to teach her the gun handling skills she will need to compete with me in the IPSC/USPSA handgun matches. We took it out to shoot and out of about 100 rnds had about 30 failure to fire. Ammo was bulk Federal and Winchester Super X. So took the gun home I suspected bolt not going all the way into battery, tore it apart and sure enough the extractor hook had a nasty burr on it, took it off, filed off burr and polished it up. Then went back to range and shot about 250 rnds, and only had 4 failure to fire.
So now after looking at gun and brass, was thinking if I cut just 1 coil off firing pin spring, the spring would not absorb as much of the hammer energy and more of the hammer energy would be transfered to the firing pin and should create a harder strike on case rim. Has anyone tried this or think of a reason it would not work?
Ruger MKIII 22/45 Failure to Fire
Moderators: Bullseye, Moderators
Welcome to the forum!
The firing pin spring has a negligible effect on the firing pin striking the cartridge. The spring tension is so small that it is highly unlikely this part could be causing a problem. More likely is drag on the hammer or the firing pin caused by the factory preservative.
Do a detailed strip of the pistol and give everything a good scrub down. Just apply a little light weapons oil to a cloth and wipe down the parts for lubrication. Inspect the chamber for and dents or burrs that can prevent full seating of the cartridges.
Ensure that the overtravel stop is not causing the hammer to strike the sear face after release because that can cause excessive drag too.
R,
Bullseye
The firing pin spring has a negligible effect on the firing pin striking the cartridge. The spring tension is so small that it is highly unlikely this part could be causing a problem. More likely is drag on the hammer or the firing pin caused by the factory preservative.
Do a detailed strip of the pistol and give everything a good scrub down. Just apply a little light weapons oil to a cloth and wipe down the parts for lubrication. Inspect the chamber for and dents or burrs that can prevent full seating of the cartridges.
Ensure that the overtravel stop is not causing the hammer to strike the sear face after release because that can cause excessive drag too.
R,
Bullseye

Bullseye, thanks for the welcome and the reply. I did overlook the chamber for burrs so will be checking that and pulling out the firing pin and stoning all 4 sides and maybe slightly round over the edges that come in contact with recoil spring and firing pin spring. Also seen that Rivet on the hammer which might need some work. Will try that and see where it gets me. If I end up taking 1 coil off the spring in the end I will post my findings as too if it helps or not. thanks again
Moose
Moose