H&R 999 Misfires

[1madss]

I have a 1973 999 that I was finally able to get to the range again today for the first time in 20 years and had a lot of misfires. I was only loading 5 rounds at a time as was getting at least 2 misfires every time. I tried DA and SA and got the same results with two different types of ammo, Remington subsonic (to start the kids on) and Remington Golden. Misfires were the same on both. The rounds would fire on the second strike.

I got this gun as a gift over 20 years ago, back when I was young and foolish. If it did not hold at least 14 rounds or I could fit my finger in the bore of, I was not interested. It also was missing the rear sight, so shooting was not much fun. I had not put very many rounds through it then, but I don't recall any misfires.

I was hoping to teach my kids to shoot on it, but I don't want then to have to deal with misfires. I'm going to try a different brand of ammo, but I don't have a lot of faith that is the issue.

Any suggestions. My 999 has the firing pin on the hammer.

 

[Fishslayer]

Is the first strike denting the rim?

Does the 999 have a strain screw like S&W? If that's backed out it will cause random misfires.

Is the frame around the hammer clean? Crud can prevent a solid strike.

 

[32 Magnum]

Remove the grips - take a look up into the frame where the main spring guide rod contacts the hammer "knuckle" - chances are you will see a broken, white plastic (nylon) pusher head on the top of the guide rod. Order a new one with a steel head from Numrich, re-install it and you should be good to go. This is a very common problem - it seems as though the nylon part was a good idea at the time of manufacture - but over the intervening 30 to 40 years - the nylon broke down, weakened and fell apart.

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Detail.aspx?pid=276810B&catid=7937

 

[BCRider]

I'd start by flushing the action with a gun solvent and then work the hammer. Some gun oils dry up and get sticky over time. And that slows down the hammer's travel just like waving your hand in air then waving it underwater. Flushing it with a mixture of solvent mixed with a bit of fresh gun oil will flush out the old grunge and after you shake out the excess and the solvent dries away there'll be a light coating of oil which is just right.

And since to do this right you need to take off the grips you can check for that nylon part at the same time to confirm if it's busted or not.

 

[1madss]

32 Magnum - I had seen the mention of the broken pusher in your research thread and had taken a look on mine, but was not quite sure what I was looking for. I will take another look.

BC - I had cleaned the gun well a couple of weeks ago when I took it out of storage, but I did not flush the trigger area out well. I will give that a shot as well while I have the grips off.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[thunder173]

1madss: ++ on checking that pusher head as 32 Magnum suggests.

I'd bet dollars to a donut that is your problem. He oughta know,..as I recall he has a boat load of the things.

 

[1madss]

Sure nuff.. When I took one of the grips off out came a small piece of white plastic. It must have broken in the past few days as I surely would have noticed a piece of plastic rolling around when I had the grips of last week.

Anyway. New part ordered.

Thanks again for help help guys.

 

[32 Magnum]

You're welcome.

 

[1madss]

The part came in today, but it looks like this is for the later models with the firing pin on the frame. The detailed description on the packing list mentions "AL57489 Series & On". Mine is AL54XXX. Unfortunately it is not on the web page description for this part.
Here is a pic of the later model guide assembly.



I went ahead and ordered this in it's place:
http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Detail.aspx?pid=276950C&catid=0

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Remington golden ammo is highly suspect. It's been missfiring for 4 decades and still counting. I would try different ammo first.

 

[1madss]

Whoohoo! Success. The part came in today and it shoots like a dream. ~100 rounds through it today and not a single misfire. I was a little worried that the steel replacement might make the trigger heavier, but it seems the same.

Thanks for everyone's help. I would probably still be chasing my tail with out the assistance.

 

[32 Magnum]

1madss,
YAAAHOOOOOOOOOOOO - glad to hear of a successful end to the story - a real "happy ending."

 

[Lookin2]

H&R 999 questions

1. Serial Number (partials are welcome, but entire numbers will help more)?
N5507
2. Firing pin on hammer or mounted in frame?
Hammer
3. Safety rim on cylinder? PATENT APPLIED FOR; one patent number; two patent numbers?
? I think yes- I can't see the back of the bullets. No markings
4. Cylinder release: 1" long lever on right side -or- small push button on left side of frame right in front of cylinder.
Small push button on left
5. Location of Manufacturer's address - on top of barrel -or- on right side?
Right side
6. DA or SA?
DA
7. Adjustable or fixed front sight? If fixed - soldered in slot or pinned in slot?
Adjustable.

I got this from my father in law a short time ago. Cleaned it and took it to the range. Had some misfires on every set of 9. One or two. I took off the handle and it appears that everything is metal (no plastic). You will probably know more from the serial number. There are some slight marks on the rims of the bullets when I take out the misfires. I was using Winchester Wildcat 22LR ammo. Any advice on something that I can fix? Can you tell a build date by the serial number?
Thanks in advance, Dave

 

[Remllez]

1madss,

They are very nice and durable guns (except that nasty little plastic piece.) I spent many a day shooting a H&R when I was a wee bit younger...They are great guns for beginners and having 9 shots is a hoot!