1927A1 Feed issues and broken firing pin

[apsanford]

Good Day folks
My Son and I have matching 1927A1 Semi auto Tommy's. Mine was built in 2012 near as I can see. I have had stovepipes and feed issues randomly. My sons works nearly flawless. Mine went back to factory gunsmiths once to check and tune, only adjusted it. No parts were replaced as they advised.
Fathers day we go shoot as a family. Dads failed miserably and broke the firing pin. Sons worked fine, with only a couple stovepipes all day, shooting a couple hundred rounds. I'm not trying to fast fire either, malfunctions randomly and slow fire.
Looking for tips, and ideas to make mine more reliable. I ordered a new firing pin, I got two from Numerich that are wrong. Type #1 and Type #3 the one I assume I need was Type #2 out of stock, but they do not show the different types to know the difference. I have two firing pins that won't work. Where could I find possibly a bolt for these firing pins? These firing pins are far more heavy duty them my current one.
The machining on my bolt is rough, should I emery the surfaces and smooth these out? Machining marks like threads all down it. I can post pics.
Any help would be great!
No matter what I plan to keep it and have our father son match set, and give to my grandson someday. Hopefully a more reliable firearm.
Ammo used, we both shoot the same ammo. New and I reload. My reloads have been more reliable. Always used 230 grain round nose 45 ACP as recommended.
Brass case only. My sons will shoot anything, mine was picky with some new ammo that was a import.
Should I work on springs, ejector, etc?
I have 30 round sticks and 50 round drum, didn't matter what magazine I used.

Feed issues, Stovepipes, one in the chamber and spent round doesn't get out before bolt slams shut. Usually, stovepipes most common. Live rounds usually feed OK, getting the spent round out seems to be the issue.

[Scarywoody]

First, I think it's cool that you have matching guns with your son. I wish I had that with my dad on something. It would have been a cherished heirloom. These rifles are notorious for the issues that you are encountering. If you do a Google search you will see that there are a lot out there experiencing the same issues. I would do some research before filing or polishing just to make sure you don't void what little warranty you have. Many of the issues out there were only resolved with replacement firearms. Once you determine that it is a keeper, I always smooth out the machine marks. Today's CNC machining is great but the hand work of yesteryear can't be beat.

[apsanford]

Thank You, we both talked about it, and I found mine at Gander Mountain, new store grand opening. Mine came with violin case, 50 round drum and 30 round stick. My some got his later, same rifle 1927A1 but only plastic case, one 30 round stick. I got him a aftermarket 50 round drum, even that works good for his. I found out quickly not to store in the violin case, draws moisture. I have a tactical soft case too. I did some other forums but forgot the ones and they had tips for this too. I thought the factory gunsmiths would go through them better.
I found some magazines cause feed issues too. I have adjusted them at times but those issues are consistent. I can go thru a drum and stick with no issues, next time want to throw it. Mine works best well oiled, my son's, doesn't matter.I bought someone's lemon? It was used 1 year, sons was new. I can't: post pics but maybe too new to the group. I have it disassembled waiting to the firing pin. I plan to gently polish the bolt, look for rough surfaces before I reassemble it. My Mak 90 runs flawless from the 80's. Less then $400 new back in the 80's. I hope I can get this one together and have it operate reasonably well.

[yqtszhj]

Hang tight and give Bawanna time to chime in. I think he has one and may have some advice.

[apsanford]

Awesome, thanks. I'm confident I can improve this firearm.

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[apsanford]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/20/967603e96f83f8d8fc570c97e464b40a.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/20/43a0ff8ff1d89d1abf410f8aed73f32a.jpg

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[b4uqzme]

...been watching your thead waiting for the Thompson owners to chime in. There are a few of them around here. Keep bumping it to the top and someone should answer.

I have read that the drum magazines are less reliable than the stick mags. So "stick" with them until you get things sorted out. I've also read that they can be a bit ammo finicky. So if you find one that works, you may want to "stick" with that too. :) These can be like wives...there's good ones yet others that are a bit high maintenance. Doesn't mean they are bad. :rolleyes:

Best of luck.

[Bawanna]

I'm out of town but PM Ghost Soldier. He's my go to smartest man alive on Thompsons. Mags are usually a factor. Drums for me work great but use care loading them. Hotter loads seem to work best which is why your reloads probably work better. Bolt weighs about 3 pounds alone.

I won't be home for a couple weeks but we'll get you running.

[yqtszhj]

I won't be home for a couple weeks but we'll get you running.

Uh Oh, we're home alone.

[apsanford]

I'm out of town but PM Ghost Soldier. He's my go to smartest man alive on Thompsons. Mags are usually a factor. Drums for me work great but use care loading them. Hotter loads seem to work best which is why your reloads probably work better. Bolt weighs about 3 pounds alone.

I won't be home for a couple weeks but we'll get you running.
Thanks, I did find one brand ammo ran terrible, but the reload cases of the same brass tells me it is the load factor there. I will advise Herters was most unreliable in mine, even was annoying in my Sons but clearly not as much as mine. I think as I reload I will make sure they are loaded at the higher ends of loads rather then low end for sure.
I'm real curious how the firepin broke. If I can prevent it again, somehow.

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[apsanford]

Got the new firing pin today. Now smooth the bolt finish and reassemble, hopefully do some range time soon.

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[yqtszhj]

Let us knkw how it goes.

[apsanford]

I plan to smooth the rough surface of the bolt before I reassemble it. I was shocked to see such a rough machined surface.

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[apsanford]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/23/a1dac7a8849b2986a2f4180183b7b925.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/23/ea7712d601fb18d90a715eaabe886c92.jpg

Is this common? Reminds of machining on the old Mosin Nagant during war time the machining is rushed leaving threads in the pattern, where peace time it was slower and far more smooth. I have a Chinese T53, M44 and a 1933 91/30 and the 33 is smooth, the M44 is smooth from 55 but the T53 is a 56 and clearly feels line fine threads

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[apsanford]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/23/89e4a7bf67ec9cc9f1528a66f3f49a85.jpg

Look at lower side of bolt flat spot. It appears bolt was dropped and bent the end in. This may be my feed issues?


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[apsanford]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/23/cd96df575176a5d4c0f221809623e6d9.jpg


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[apsanford]

If you look at the bolt at about 4 o'clock position you can see the flat spot. I emailed the company and hope they will exchange the bolt. They had it once already, I don't want to send it again.


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[Trueaim]

My TM1 has had repeated firing pins break. Kahr can't resolve the problem. The firing pins are stamped out of sheet stock and are made to terrible tolerances. Wish I had never bought this gun.

[Scarywoody]

Boy, that is rough. I thought my Baikal shotgun was rough. And they charge $165 for that? Maybe it's an old one from the bottom of the bin.

[DeaconKC]

Sorry, been away for a while. Apsan, when I got my Thompson [used] I took it apart, left the springs out and slathered the insides with valve lapping compound, then worked the assembly back and forth for about an hour watching a ball game. I added compound every 5 minutes or so and it really did smooth it up a lot. Put an old bath towel over your lap to keep TLOTH happy with you.

[apsanford]

Great idea DeaconKC. I contacted customer service and they are stepping up and allowing me to send the bolt to them and exchange. Kahr is showing good faith and I give them credit. I'm not giving up. I want to make it work like it's suppose to.
If you just dump a firearm and not give them a chance, it's not fair. Mechanical devices are not perfect. I sent this back once. I don't think they duplicated my issue, and assumed my mags may be the issue. I did not send my mags with the gun, my error. As a mechanic I'm confident this firearm will get in acceptable performance. My son's works fine. If Kahr exchanges the bolt I will check and hope for better finish or I will polish it. Lapping it with compound is a great idea.
What is the best lubricant to use on these?
I put a 45 shell in the bolt to check the fit and it has a catch, for sure. Bolt is completely stripped and shell catches in the face of the bolt.

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[apsanford]

My TM1 has had repeated firing pins break. Kahr can't resolve the problem. The firing pins are stamped out of sheet stock and are made to terrible tolerances. Wish I had never bought this gun.
Yes stamped steel, mine broke when it stove piped a round, and a live round was partially in chamber. If you find a different bolt, you can use a more heavy firing pin. There is 3 versions.http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/24/dd47125d950ce56d9878dd32cdae1398.jpg

Top style is my broken firing pin
Next down is ground down some other type
3rd one is the one in mine and a new one
Bottom one is heavy duty another style


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[DeaconKC]

Good luck Apsan, I use Militech grease and oil on the Tommy. They are an older design so they like being well lubed!

[apsanford]

I noticed that, it liked running wet the best. I had thought some modern synthetics may good slippery stuff

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[apsanford]

Got to compare my bolt with a new one today. Big difference! Case catches in my bolt but not a new one. I'm very confident this Tommygun will shoot like never has before after I get it replaced. Super excited!


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[Scarywoody]

Sounds like you've narrowed it down and will end up with a sweet shooter. Did they say why your bolt was in the condition that it is?

[apsanford]

Just sent it back, I doubt they will. It it appears a drop? The new one I compared had a impact part on it also but back side. I bet in making them they get tossed in a bin. Careful stacking should be considered. The new one machining is better then mine. It appears handling needs improvement.


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[apsanford]

Kahr is going to replace the bolt, they agree it is not right. I can't ask for more. They also gave me some tips regarding magazines and adjusting they if they cause feed issues.

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[apsanford]

Of course sent the replacement FedEx adult signature required. One delivery attempt, but I work during the week. Maybe today?

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[yqtszhj]

Of course sent the replacement FedEx adult signature required. One delivery attempt, but I work during the week. Maybe today?

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I hate it when that happens.

[apsanford]

Actually when getting the mail, at the post office, it was there. I never thought the post office would assist Fed Ex. Love living in the small village.

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[apsanford]

Testing it yesterday, found self inflicted issues this time. Magazine issues. Researching, I found the 200 grain round nose are too short OAL. I bought these by accident, and know why they recommend 230 grain round nose. Those worked fine. Plan another test at the range with all proper recommended ammo. Previous issues are resolved with the new bolt.


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[Bawanna]

I foresee a happy ending here. I never tried anything but 230 ball ammo in mine.

[apsanford]

I feel confident. I have feed issues in testing 110 rounds, but the 200 grain appears was the issues. I gave my so the last 50 to see if he has any issues with them. His seems to digest everything, except the Herters. The reloaded Herters work fine.

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[apsanford]

Upgraded the bolt Kahr sent for the exchange. Clearly updated design, tested tonight, 110 rounds thru stick mags, flawless! Amen!! Happy Dance and time for a Capt'n & Coke

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[yqtszhj]

WOO-HOO. Thats good news.