WB
Gunsmithing question, firing pin theory
Wednesday, December 04, 2024, 09:53

I have this inherited little Colt #3 copy .22 Short single shot derringer. It was my Uncle Ed's from the 1970's. Something happened to it it was not igniting the rimfire primers. They had done something to it and I filed the hammer face and sides to make sure it was contacting the cartridge 100% and with full force available. It is hitting the cartridge perfectly square, full at the one moment. But I got to thinking about the surface area of that hammer face. If it is full flat, that is energy spread out over a larger area. Forces are reduced comparatively. If I "knife bladed" the hammer face to 25% of current surface area that would multiply the energy focused on a smaller area. Perhaps providing the force/heat energy enough to "fix" it. Kind of the old math problem "would you rather a 400# man with size 13's stand on your foot or a 110# lady with stiletto heels?". Actually the woman puts a much greater hurt on your foot. This theory translates to hammer face energy as well. I have not looked a the mainspring tension, I may can bush or shim it for greater power.

It is not a big deal but it would be fun to make it go bang again. This is not the actual gun but looks like it. Mine's in just a little bit better condition. The barrels are cast zinc and I think the frames were, plated brass or chrome and sold as a pair, usually.