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February 16, 2011
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New to the forum and had a question regarding my Dan Wesson 44 mag.
I purchased a used model 44 Dan Wesson made in Monson Mass a few years ago and have been having a problem with it that has been increasing the more that I shoot it. Though I have only shot about 300 - 400 rounds total.
For reference sake, it's blued, 8" barrel and ribbed but not heavy ribbed shroud with the power control system on both. And it's the one piece frame without the side plate. From what I can gather from comparing the serial number to the list on this sight it was probably made in the 83 -84 range. Serial number B02083*
It always has hit the primer fairly light but after about 150 rounds it started failing to ignite the round in about 1 in 12. This progressively got worse until it was about 2 in 6. It used to be only in double action but now does it in single as well with the same frequency of 2 in 6.
I called CZ and spoke with a gunsmith and they recommended changing the main spring for a start so I purchased one from them and replaced it. It did nothing to remedy the problem. So I removed the barrel shroud, cleaned it up and installed it at .006 Same deal. Tightened it to as tight as it would go and still cycle and that did not fix it either.
So my last shot at fixing it was to remove the firing pin and see if it has been damaged in some way. I knocked out the roll pin and for the life of me it will not come out. Looks like in this model the pin has to come out through the front with the firing pin bushing being removed first. It does not look like it will come out through the rear like later models. Is there any trick to this or is it just plain gummed up?
Any suggestions to why it would be light striking would be greatly appreciated as I'm at the end of my ideas. Maybe I'm going in the wrong direction but I would like to get the firing pin out to at least mic it to see if it's the correct length or bent. And yes, I have completely disassembled it and cleaned it throughly, even though it was a pain without the side plate.
Sorry for the long post. Any help would be appreciated.
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November 17, 2008
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First 
to the
. I have yet to remove any of my firing pins but I believe you are on the right track. Could be damaged or more likely just full of crud which could interfere with the pin. Just for a quick check see if the pin moves freely and let the hammer down and see how far the pin protrudes from the bushing, this may give you a hint as to if it is the problem. Have you used different ammo as I here some brands have hard primers, although I have never had a problem with any I have used. Someone who has had their pin and bushing out will be along shortly with more info. Good luck and keep us informed.
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
January 26, 2009
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Check to make sure the firing pin is striking the center of the primer. If it is striking off to the side of the primer that could cause it to fail to ignite. After checking to make sure it's unloaded lightly hold your thumb on the cylinder to provide some resistance and slowly stroke the trigger. Observe the bolt to see if it is locking into the cylinder before the hammer falls. It should drop in just before the hammer falls. If it's not, that can cause the off center strikes. I had a 715-2 that had this problem. I tried installing a new hand myself but I wasn't able to get it fitted properly. I ended up sending it in to DW. They reworked it with new springs, headspace shims and fitted a new hand. Now it functions great. Hope this helps.
February 11, 2010
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If your firing pin checks out and your still having problems check your mainspring
seat, part #49 on this diagram
http://www.urban-armory.com/cart/blueprints/danw_m44.gif
If it backs out that will cause main spring to act weak.
Also loosen your grip screw a few turns and see if it makes a difference,
hole in grip gets squeezed and the screw gets to long and ends up in the
mainspring and will give light strikes.
-Blacktop
October 26, 2008
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Blacktop said:
check your mainspring seat, If it backs out that will cause main spring to act weak.
-Blacktop
I agree with blacktop on this one, unless you're firing pin is short (you'd need a new one/known good one to compare to) the firing pin is probably not the issue, there could be a lot of crud built up in the firing pin bushing however and you could try using brake cleaner/gun scrubber and try to spray it out (you'll get some spraying back at you be careful) spray from the front to try to force it out the back. If you still want to remove it, it is not difficult, after removing roll pin in frame (part # 12 on diagram) get a large punch roughly the same size as the firing pin on the backside of the frame, and a big hammer to push it out towards the muzzle. It is very tight (it needs to be) when you go to reinstall it try to line up the notch on the FPB as best you can and use a large BRASS punch and install from the front (through where the barrel screws in). I've changed FPB's on my 40 and my Dad's 740 because they had compressed and caused excessive headspace, and it is not terribly difficult just make sure not to damage it.
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January 24, 2009
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According to the diagram that Blacktop linked, the firing pin may have to come out the front. That would be a bummer.
I haven't needed to remove any of my firing pins yet, so I'm not really any help.
There are members here who have though, so give it some time. Meanwhile, here's another bump for your post.
aboard!
February 16, 2011
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Thanks everyone for the welcome and the the suggestions. I haven't noticed it offcenter striking the primer but I'll take another look. It definitely light strikes though. The indentation on the primers are very shallow and this with cci, federal, and remington primers. Same rounds that won't fire with my DW with several attempts will go first time in my friend's S&W 629 on the first try.
I will look into the mainspring seat and the grip screws shortly before I try to knock the firing pin out with a punch. This won't be for a couple days now as my weekend is tied up changing timing belt / water pump on a foreign compact car. 
Absolutley hate it but it has to be done.
Thanks for the help and I'll report back with my findings.
December 15, 2018
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So, trying to revive this old post. The firing pin on my .44 revolver broke and I can’t get the bushing out. I have read the posts on this and can’t find anyone who has actually been able to remove their firing pin on one of these. All the posts seem to end similar to this one.
Has anybody done it and can give me advice? The bushing seems press fitted in and even with the retaining pin out this thing will not budge. Any help will be appreciated.
August 8, 2016
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I'd call/email Bob at DW (607-336-2622, bob@cz-usa.com) and see if he has some advice. He helped me when I had some issues with my 715.
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