Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Single Shots Tc contender fix

Ok guys if you all remember I was having problems with light hammer strikes. I done a complete spring re build. Steel same problem. What I found is if you brake it down and slam it shut pretty hard is will fire everytime you pull the trigger. Is that a barrel lug problem? Wonder if I change the barrel lug out with a new one if that will fix it. Thanks

What cartridge?
You can also use a sharpie on the lugs to check for engagement.

30-30

Split lugs or the old one piece lugs? Most likely is a lug problem. Stoning a small bit at a time and checking often will probably fix it.

Like kenacp was saying take a sharpie and color your lugs and stone them if there isn't enough engagement. This link should show what is needed.

http://www.lasc.us/BellmFiresFliesOpen.htm



Steve........

It has the split lugs

Does anyone have any pictures showing where to paint the lugs,and where to polish thanks. Really wonting to get this thing fixed

Using factory ammo or hand loads? If hand loads, neck sizing or full length? If the case is not sized small enough, it can cause this problem just like insufficient lug engagement. RJ

Factory loads

Don't know of any pics and don't have time to take any. You're just marking the top surface of the lug to see how much engagement there is with the frame when the action is closed. Clean the top surface so it's easy to color with the Sharpie. Close the action and open it. When you look at the lug you'll be able to see the ink scraped off indicating how far they engaged.

I don't recall off hand exactly how much engagement is needed to trip the interlock switch allowing it to fire but if it's less than 1/4 that's probably the issue. You want the lugs engaged at least half way for good lock up.

If lug engagement isn't the issue, I have seen another rare situation causing the hammer block to hang up that can be quite difficult to diagnose but it takes a bit to explain and probably isn't the issue here.

Edit...I didn't see the linked article above, Mike mentions in the article ideally how much engagement the lugs should have

I did color my locking bolts and it is just barely catching the tips of the locking bolt

They have to engage enough to depress the interlock. Try swapping out with another set or carefully stone them. Keep the same angle.Just a little at a time. Keep doing the sharpie/stone process until it works every time.

I would also suggest, if you haven't done so already,put in a locking lug extra power spring from Mike Bellm

Thanks for all the info. I have already done a complete spring rebuild

Does anyone know where you can get the locking bolts. I called Tc and they no longer send them out. You have got to send your barrel into them.

EBay probably....It's very easy to do. A few swipes with a stone is all it takes.

Got it fixed. Thanks guys for all the info

So, what was the fix?

A couple of hours and a laping stone polished the lugs

Use a stone, not a file!
Take your time, check your progress frequently.
Stop stoning when a satisfactory fit is achieved.