Light strikes w/ Hammerli 152

[James]

Does anybody have any experience or remedy for misfires with the Hammerli 152 Free pistol? I understand that the 150 and 152 can be prone to this but have not heard a cure. Disassembly and cleaning of the breach block helps somewhat, but not completely. The problem is consistent with a variety of ammo. The gun is otherwise a wonderful instrument , extremely accurate, well balanced,with a great trigger feel, and beautiful workmanship. I'd really like to solve this problem. Any help from our knowledgeable readership here would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
James
james.buckland-at-converse.edu.46481.0

[Zollman]

You will probably need to replace your firing pin spring. The good news is they are not very expensive, are readily available, and you can do it yourself. Larry's Guns (www.larrysguns.com) or Neal Stepp at ISS (877-595-2090) should have them.
Good Luck

.46484.46481

[Bob Riegl]

Amen---to that unless you havebeen fiddling with the trigger pull, weight that is---h-m-m-m??? wink, wink
.46494.46484

[bruce]

Why would that matter?
regards bruce
NYS FP Champion

: Amen---to that unless you havebeen fiddling with the trigger pull, weight that is---h-m-m-m??? wink, wink

.46496.46494

[Bob Riegl]

OK Bruce Martindale---speaking solely through my own personal experience with using the wrong size allen key, a 1.5 mm instead of a 2.5 mm caused me to experience a similar problem---Instead of adjusting the trigger pull, I futzed something else up and got a whole rash of problems, amongst them were light hits--- I finally had to send it to Larry Carter to fix my bwoken toy. Confession is good for the soul---eh?
fishnshoot-at-optonline.net.46497.46496

[Larry]

Beyond the spring, there's the traditional ways to muck up rimfire ignition. They include -

Improper dry firing technique having cratered the rim support.

Broken or damaged firing pin tip.

Amateur smithing of the tip shape to "improve" ignition.

Dirt under the rim and dirt in the block.

: Does anybody have any experience or remedy for misfires with the Hammerli 152 Free pistol? I understand that the 150 and 152 can be prone to this but have not heard a cure. Disassembly and cleaning of the breach block helps somewhat, but not completely. The problem is consistent with a variety of ammo. The gun is otherwise a wonderful instrument , extremely accurate, well balanced,with a great trigger feel, and beautiful workmanship. I'd really like to solve this problem. Any help from our knowledgeable readership here would be most appreciated.
: Thanks,
: James

.46502.46481

[James]

Well, Thank you to all who have replied. Intuitively, the firing pin spring seemed a likely suspect, but it's good to seek out the voice of experience. Fortunately, I've not monkeyed around with it beyond detail cleaning, grip fitting, etc.
Sincerely,
James
PS: any further input would be most appreciated

james.buckland-at-converse.edu.46506.46481

[Paul T (UK)]

“I've not monkeyed around with it beyond detail cleaning, grip fitting, etc.”
Sounds like you have not inspected firing pin/spring.
The only light strikes I had were when the firing pin was broken, not the face but one of the two lugs at the side and only visible on strip-down. The unit still intermittently shot! The pin (a large and costly item) plus spring (very low cost) will take some pressure and tools to change, unless able and confidant, a good gunsmith familiar with working on specialist kit is highly recommended. Unlike their later 280/SP20 models that are simple in this area, the 152 block, once opened, is tricky to say the least unless you have the correct tools. My gunsmith kindly did this for me and allowed me to watch in case I had to do this solo. A spare pin and spring is a good idea.
Hope this helps.

.46507.46481

[Jim C]

: Does anybody have any experience or remedy for misfires with the Hammerli 152 Free pistol? I understand that the 150 and 152 can be prone to this but have not heard a cure. Disassembly and cleaning of the breach block helps somewhat, but not completely. The problem is consistent with a variety of ammo. The gun is otherwise a wonderful instrument , extremely accurate, well balanced,with a great trigger feel, and beautiful workmanship. I'd really like to solve this problem. Any help from our knowledgeable readership here would be most appreciated.
: Thanks,
: James


.46545.46481

[bruce]

That is the usual cause and I know people who have done so and after a few months, the had problems.
After the last shot, lift the lever halfway and pull the empty out with your fingernail. There should be more resistance in the leve when you close it again. You are feeling the spring & pin slide back down the cam.
.46554.46481

[James]

Hi,
Thank You All for LOTS of great advice. Something new I just heard from Larry Carter regarding Hammerli 150/152. The later generation firing pins have a blunt tip with a chiseled profile as opposed to the rounded tip. This was Hammerli's answer to the problem. Having said that, everyone's contribution has been most helpful. I feel my particular problem is going to be resolved shortly, most likely being a combo of firing pin profile and spring fatigue.
Thanks to all,
Jim


james.buckland-at-converse.edu.46567.46481