Spenser Misfire Question

[Fallon Kid]

Morning Y’all. I have problem with Spenser Armi Carbine 56-50.  It started to misfire 50% of bullets chambered. It usually would fire after pulling hammer back and firing again.
BACKGROUND: During a 12 stage match I used the Spenser as my Big Bore. The first day of 6 stages and 30+ rounds it worked and fired without incident.  That night I brought home and cleaned but did not disassemble any parts. I did use Wonder Lube for first time to grease internals. The next morning the gun misfired first couple of rounds and continued to strike primer but not go off. It would fire after re cocking while still in chamber. This continued to happen all day. I did not count misfires but seemed at least half or better misfired.
A: Ammo used was same ammo as used on first day. Assume this is not my first bullet I ever loaded.  I used starline brass. The whole batch of 100 rounds was loaded in one session.  Bullet was cast from lyman single mold and sized and lubed at .513. Powder was 2ff at 36 grains. Primer was Winchester LR and OAL is 1.525. Dies are RCBS.
B: I confess on first day, I levered the action several times without cocking hammer. I understand cocking prior to lever is how to operate gun but due to fog or war, being old and untrainable and stupid to boot, I know I screwed up.
I have not ever disassembled a Spenser as I only have had 2 months but am sure will learn soon. I was hoping to get some ides as to which direction to jump to correct before getting myself into trouble. My gut tells me I did something to gun by not cocking prior to levering but not sure of anything. Also, using Wonder Lube for first time to lube gun was a new different fact. My experience knows that the folks ‘who do’ are the people ‘that know’. That’s  why I came here. Thanks Jerry   (Fallon Kid), Northern Nevada

PS I did get a good primer strike on each misfire. I just want to MSGA (Make Spenser Great Again)

[Cap'n Redneck]

Have You checked (and tightened) the two screws that hold the transfer-bar for the firing-pin on the right-hand side of the breech-block?
If that doesn't help I would start dismantling the breech-block and look for peening or burrs that impede the travel of the firing-pin.

[El Supremo]

Hello, Fallon Kid:

Here are some things to think about, please:

Win LARGE rifle primers have been easy to ignite on the first strike.
Some Armisport Spencers did not have a self retracting firing pin, otherwise called an "inertia" pin.
The inertia one with a coil spring flies forward on striker impact, hits the primer and then the coil spring pushes the pin tip into the block so the tip does not remain against the primer and possibly break if the block lowered before the hammer retracted.

You should be able to remove the block assembly by removing the lever screw and holding the block assembly as it drops from the receiver.

With the block assembly removed, test for pin retraction by pushing on the sliding striker in the upper block to see if the pin moves freely forward and upon releasing pressure on the striker, that the pin self-retracts below the block face.

If the pin moves forward and rearward it should be ok. 

It is possible the shaft of the firing pin or coil spring are damaged.

Another remote possibility is that the mainspring is not imparting sufficient force.

One more possibility is that the large rifle primers are large PISTOL primers. Both have the same cup diameter, but the large pistol cup is .003" less high, which can put the cup face .003" deeper in the case pocket.  If sure the primers are large rifle, the cup face should rest .003" below the case face.  If seated insufficiently, just flush not .003" below, that may allow the primer to seat itself .003" during firing pin impact, but then the blow is cushioned as the cup moves forward.

Please let us know what you find.
All the best.
El Supremo/Kevin Tinny

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[Fallon Kid]

Kevin, Thank You for a clear, concise and professional reply. I am digesting every word you wrote and will apply in hopes of me not messing something else up. Gotta be doing some home cleanup this moment as was gone 7 days for match and too tired to clean house in evening. My 4 little dogs have yet learned how to fetch a mop bucket much less use it.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Is it possible that the tip of the firing pin broke off? You said that you got strong impacts during the misfires, but I wonder if a shortened firing pin could cause this inconsistency, especially since it seemed to begin suddenly.

Griff

[Fallon Kid]

Just an update. I found the 2 screws on the r/h block backed out about .5 to 1 turn. Thanks to Capt’n Redneck for this look-see to check.  Hopefully that was problem. Will get to range next few days to check.  I’m still looking for instructions on how to disassemble the Spenser.  Not much data out there.  Again, thank you to you all.
And now on to my 97 12 gage. That also lost a screw and replacement in tomorrow.  97’s are in my skill level.

[El Supremo]

Hello, again, Fallon Kid:

On your two screws:
Try to avoid any thread sealer. It can fix loosening screws, but also seep into non-threaded areas and impede movement of nearby surfaces.

I have detailed diss/reass instr's for original Spencer's and repro's.
If you will please PM me your email, I can attach the file. Thanks and smiles.
El Supremo/Kevin Tinny

[RoyceP]

Just an update. I found the 2 screws on the r/h block backed out about .5 to 1 turn. Thanks to Capt’n Redneck for this look-see to check.  Hopefully that was problem. Will get to range next few days to check.  I’m still looking for instructions on how to disassemble the Spenser.  Not much data out there.  Again, thank you to you all.
And now on to my 97 12 gage. That also lost a screw and replacement in tomorrow.  97’s are in my skill level.

You need to use spell check - there is only one S in Spencer.