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August 14, 2016
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I have a 44VH revolver that is jamming & binding. It appears that the firing pin bushing was a little proud of the breech face, and so after a few shots fired the spent primers would expand, get hung on the edge of the firing pin bushing, and not allow the cylinder to rotate. I took the revolver to a local gunsmith, who decided that the bushing was in fact proud of the breech, so his solution was to use a stone to polish it down flush. After this, next trip to the range and now the bushing is being pushed back under recoil, recessed from the breech, which also allows the expanded primers to drop in and hang to prevent rotation.
So, assuming that the first bushing should not have been stoned, but rather should have been set back further into the frame, I ordered a replacement and changed it. Now the bushing is flush with the breech until the hammer hits the pin, which pushes the bushing forward slightly. It appears that the cut in the bushing is somewhat too large for the tiny roll pin that holds it in place, and this allows the bushing to move in and out slightly. When I looked at the old bushing, the cut is the same size though.
Am I missing something here? Anyone else ever experience this? Surely the bushing is not supposed to move in and out under recoil, but I'm at a loss on what to do next. Any advice would be appreciated. And I know the obvious next step is to ship it off to DW, but I was hoping there might be something simple I could do to try to save the shipping before it came to that.
Thanks.
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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It sounds to me like you are saying that the primers are backing out of the brass upon firing. If this is the case then you have a problem with the cartridges you are using. Photos of the brass would be helpful.
February 16, 2016
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Rcornwell242 said
Assuming that the first bushing should not have been stoned.
Correct. Give Shawn a call at the Dan Wesson factory in Norwich to order a replacement part. It should be less than $15 with $9 shipping.
607 336 1174 extension 21
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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I recommend sending it to Bob:
Bob Collins
Service Department
Dan Wesson Firearms
65 Borden Avenue
Norwich, N.Y. 13815
607-336-1174 ext. 24
It's obvious that a competent gunsmith needs a crack at it. Just my $.02
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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Have you tried any other make of ammo in the gun? Is the problem consistent across all types tried.
I am concerned about this statement:
Rcornwell242 said
after a few shots fired the spent primers would expand, get hung on the edge of the firing pin bushing, and not allow the cylinder to rotate.
Expanding or protruding primers indicates a problem with the ammo. Is it factory standard ammo, new or old, or hand loaded? The gun may not be the problem. It may be the ammo.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Those fellows know a bunch. One thing I know is to not let a Smith near your Dans. Karl Lewis designed them to be user friendly and Smiths just don't understand that. Maybe you could use a larger roll pin. I have not worked on any of my large frames yet so I am just speculating.
August 14, 2016
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Thanks for the replies. Yes, some loads were handloads that were a little on the warm side, which I suspected, but then the same problem with mild factory loads, and I was even able to duplicate the problem with spent cases. The problem seems to be that even while pinned, the bushing can move in and out slightly. From flush to slightly proud on the new one and flush to recessed on the one that was stoned. I can set the bushing flush with the breech, but then just dry firing will knock it out proud of the breech again. The issue seems to be that the cut in the bushing to accommodate the roll pin is too big and allows the movement, but the hole in the frame won't allow a bigger pin. I have full confidence in my smith, pretty sure he's not the issue unless there's a trick here we're missing. He's good with most all makes, revolvers & autos, and has been an arrmorer at the local PD for over 30 years. Also a factory trained S&W armorer. He's not a hack. I know he's not a dan wesson armorer, but if the Dans are supposed to be so user friendly, I don't know why we can't figure this out or why I can't find anyone else with this problem. Thanks to all for your input, if we can't figure it out I guess I'll send it to the factory and see what they can do.
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January 24, 2009
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Hot loads can definitely do damage to most any revolver. And it affects guns not always the same way. In the late 80's, I had a friend who owned an 8" Anaconda. He loved loading his reloads hot...bragged about it constantly. I was there the day the top strap let loose inches from his face. The putz was lucky to be alive! It was a hell of a show, that day. The three of us went home with this look on our faces...
LOL
August 14, 2016
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Just to clarify, when I mentioned "warm" loads, I was referring to published load data that would be on the hotter end of the spectrum, but nothing excessive or home brewed. Nothing I wouldn't shoot in my model 29.
February 16, 2016
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Are you saying that published load data caused pressures causing "the top strap to let loose" on an Anaconda?
August 14, 2016
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No not at all, that wasn't my comment. That was someone else's comment on their experience. I'm having issues with the firing pin bushing moving in and out a little on my Dan Wesson, and I said some of my hand loads were on the "warm side" but were from published load data and no where near "crazy hot". Never said anything about an Anaconda or a top strap. I just clarified about using reasonable published load data after I mentioned "hand loads on the warmer side" and a few folks seemed to cue in on that point.
I'm having a mechanical issue where the roll pin through the frame seems to be letting the firing pin bushing move in and out under recoil or simply by hammer impact when unloaded.
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January 24, 2009
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Stinger said
Are you saying that published load data caused pressures causing "the top strap to let loose" on an Anaconda?
That was me who said that, and I seriously doubt my friend was using any published data. Pretty sure he was going with the "add a dash more here & there" method.
I don't think he did any more reloading after that.
Rcornwell, it sounds like you may need to send your gun back home to DW and let them get it fixed for you.
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