Challenger II over haul

Tigerbeetle · Post by **Tigerbeetle** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 11:56 am

I had been having FTF problems with my Challenger II ever since I got it several months ago. Federal Automatch seemed to be the only fail safe ammo. Winchester Xpert seemed the worst. It seemed to come down to either a bad firing pin or weak main springs, or both. Chim (RFC) graciously supplied some spring materials for the main springs. I went to Chatham's and got a new firing pin, FP spring, etc. and took it apart. The new main springs seemed to really improve the inertia given the hammer. I took the firing pin out, and found it had been tinkered with. The tip of it appeared to have been pinched to create a chisel point.

The new firing pin has a very round end. The old one had also been modified to (I guess) increase the travel of the firing pin. The roll pin gap had been expanded, but in the wrong direction. It would not have increased the length of travel:

I haven't gotten back to a range yet - maybe this afternoon, but I did pull the bullets on 5 rounds of Winchester Xpert and hand loaded each in the Challenger. Five shells, five ignitions. Not exactly an acid test, but it worked on the primer-only rounds. Now I hope I am not disappointed when I get to the range. notice the nice dimple on the rim fire case.

I hope I am not disappointed. Keeping my fingers crossed. TB

Tigerbeetle · Post by **Tigerbeetle** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 6:04 pm

Just got back from a quick trip to the range. I am happy to report the Child is well. Ran about 80 rounds of Xpert, Feds and Rem target through it without a single FTF.

Love that Challenger II all the more.
TB

recumbent · Post by **recumbent** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 6:40 pm

Glad it worked for you. The Challenger is a nice pistol.

Post by **Bullseye** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 8:43 pm

I was noticing that the spent case had a nice prominent dimple. Looks like you've got that Challenger all tuned up.

R,
Bullseye

Tigerbeetle · Post by **Tigerbeetle** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:27 pm

I had it out this past Saturday with a few of its brethern playing around. Never missed a beat! I realized I have shown the beat up firing pin and the nice dimple in the cartridge rim from the new pin, but not WHAT was actually doing the work. I have probably shown its picture before, but heck!, why pass up a chance to show it again

I got a new barrel and rear sight assembly last weekend. I am going to put the new barrel and rear sight on it this week and (I hope) try it out this weekend. The present barrel has a few minor dings on it. I am beginning to think the previous owner(s) was a little rough on it. Especially after seeing the firing pin. TB

Post by **Bullseye** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 9:24 am

Looks nice. I can't wait to see the before and after shots when you put on that new barrel.

R,
Bullseye