H&R 949 Problems

004lazer · August 16, 2014, 04:38 PM

Hey all,
I have an old H&R 949 chambered in .22LR, and it has been giving me problems recently. When I took apart the grip, the plastic spring assembly was shattered, which is apparently a common problem with H&R guns. After a while I dropped by a gunsmith and bought the steel replacement part over the counter for $30 or so. I installed it and went to the range but the gun still fires only 9 of every ten shots! That is much improved from the pre-fix ratio (3:10) but still not perfect. It fires most consistently on single action, and will misfire more on double. The ammo is not bad, as it cycles through two other rifles perfectly, so I have no idea whats wrong with it. Any help would be appreciated, I thought I should find out if its another easy fix before I drive all the way back out to the gunsmith though.
Thanks in advance,
Lazer

gyvel · August 18, 2014, 11:13 PM

Maybe try a slightly stronger spring?

If I recall correctly, the hammer spring strut has a double function in that it also acts as a rebound. Your problem may be there.

g.willikers · August 19, 2014, 08:12 AM

Also check if the one unfired round is always from the same chamber.

004lazer · August 19, 2014, 09:58 PM

Ok, so next time i can get a chance I will go shoot a bit and check which chambers don't fire. If it is the same few every time, is that an alignment problem or what?

g.willikers · August 19, 2014, 10:48 PM

If that is indeed the problem, it could be any number of machining errors on the cylinder.

004lazer · August 27, 2014, 09:33 PM

So I was looking at the revolver today, and cycling the cylinder slowly to check for some timing issues, and I found something interesting. When the hammer is dropped, on single or double action, it doesn't fall all the way. There is about a 1/8th inch gap between the face of the hammer and the frame. Is this a timing issue or is that just how they were made?

James K · August 28, 2014, 09:24 PM

I think the hammer is falling all the way, but it is rebounding as it is designed to do. The rebound happens so fast you can't see it.

You might check to see if the mainspring guide is installed the right way. If the top is backward, you will have misfires and other problems.

Jim

004lazer · September 3, 2014, 09:11 PM

Thanks a lot Jim, I'll check it in the morning.

August 16, 2014, 04:38 PM	#1
004lazer Junior Member Join Date: August 8, 2014 Location: Nebraska Posts: 11	H&R 949 Problems Hey all, I have an old H&R 949 chambered in .22LR, and it has been giving me problems recently. When I took apart the grip, the plastic spring assembly was shattered, which is apparently a common problem with H&R guns. After a while I dropped by a gunsmith and bought the steel replacement part over the counter for $30 or so. I installed it and went to the range but the gun still fires only 9 of every ten shots! That is much improved from the pre-fix ratio (3:10) but still not perfect. It fires most consistently on single action, and will misfire more on double. The ammo is not bad, as it cycles through two other rifles perfectly, so I have no idea whats wrong with it. Any help would be appreciated, I thought I should find out if its another easy fix before I drive all the way back out to the gunsmith though. Thanks in advance, Lazer

August 18, 2014, 11:13 PM	#2
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	Maybe try a slightly stronger spring? If I recall correctly, the hammer spring strut has a double function in that it also acts as a rebound. Your problem may be there. __________________ As always, YMMV. __________________________________________ MIIAA SIFE

August 19, 2014, 08:12 AM	#3
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Also check if the one unfired round is always from the same chamber. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

August 19, 2014, 10:48 PM	#5
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	If that is indeed the problem, it could be any number of machining errors on the cylinder. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

August 19, 2014, 09:58 PM	#4
004lazer Junior Member Join Date: August 8, 2014 Location: Nebraska Posts: 11	Ok, so next time i can get a chance I will go shoot a bit and check which chambers don't fire. If it is the same few every time, is that an alignment problem or what?

August 27, 2014, 09:33 PM	#6
004lazer Junior Member Join Date: August 8, 2014 Location: Nebraska Posts: 11	So I was looking at the revolver today, and cycling the cylinder slowly to check for some timing issues, and I found something interesting. When the hammer is dropped, on single or double action, it doesn't fall all the way. There is about a 1/8th inch gap between the face of the hammer and the frame. Is this a timing issue or is that just how they were made?

August 28, 2014, 09:24 PM	#7
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I think the hammer is falling all the way, but it is rebounding as it is designed to do. The rebound happens so fast you can't see it. You might check to see if the mainspring guide is installed the right way. If the top is backward, you will have misfires and other problems. Jim

September 3, 2014, 09:11 PM	#8
004lazer Junior Member Join Date: August 8, 2014 Location: Nebraska Posts: 11	Thanks a lot Jim, I'll check it in the morning.