Iver Johnson TP-22 problems

[JDfromMA]

I recently bought an Iver Johnson TP-22 as a pocket pistol/backup gun. I have just come back from the range and I had a couple issues while firing it today. At first, I had random stovepipes and feed jams. After field stripping it and using some gun oil on the moving parts/slide, it stopped jamming and fed the rounds nicely. The only problem I have had with it since, is sometimes the gun will not fire the round in DA. I will squeeze the trigger and *click* nothing. Squeezing the trigger again in SA it will fire the round. This will sometimes happen once a magazine, sometimes twice, sometimes not at all. What gives?? Any help is appreciated.

*I was using remington golden bullet HP and Federal Match grade*

I have bought some CCI stingers to use for next time as the gentleman who I purchased it from said that was all he used and had no issues.

 

[Shear_stress]

What you describe is very common for these guns, more due to age and use than anything (the last one rolled off the assembly line two odd decades ago).

There are two main causes for light strikes in these guns. The first is gunk in the firing pin channel. The second is a weakened main spring. Dealing with the first is a matter of detail stripping the slide. This is not that hard to do--remember that the firing pin retains the safety lever and must be pushed in a ways to get the lever out. Also, be careful to watch where the ball detent for the safety lands!

There a likely several fixes for the main spring. One I use is to "boost" the power of the spring by placing a thin washer between it and its point of retention on the hammer strut. You will need to cut a slot in the washer for it to fit around the strut.

The Iver Johnson TP-22 is a favorite of mine but, like any small rimfire, must be kept pretty clean for reliable operation.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

One point to remember is most SA/DA mechanisms have a shorter hammer throw in DA. That's because the DA notch must necessarily be ahead of the SA notch. As a result, DA hammer blows are somewhat lighter.

 

[JDfromMA]

I tried cleaning and lubing it which helped it cycling but not with the firing. If I can get a reacement main spring/recoil spring from bpbs gun shop for 15 dollars would that fix it?

 

[hiram2005]

Not gonna hurt.

 

[JDfromMA]

Am I ordering a new hammer spring or recoil spring? Sorry for the noob question

 

[Tilos]

JDfromMa:
I loved my TP-22 but traded it after the bottom edge of the slide sliced open my thumb/knuckle...the 2nd time!
After the 1st time, I stoned the sharpe edge as much as a dared.

Give the firing pin channel a blast of gun scrubber if you don't want to remove it, use quality ammo (not bulk) and you will be good to go.

 

[Ala Dan]

I also loved my Iver Johnson TP-22, that is up 'til Oct. 13th, 1994. At that
time, a perp liked it better than me; as it was stolen in a violent carjacking
of my wife's car. On Oct. 18th, 1994 the perp was apprehended but the TP
22 was never recovered. Almost two year's too the day, the perp received
a sentence of 32 years in the cross bar hotel (ie: state pennitentary)~!

*FootNote: My friend SaxonPig brings up a good point of reference
in his post below; as mine was made in Jacksonville, AR too~!

 

[SaxonPig]

I got one in the 1980s that was made in Jacksonville, AR (about 15 miles from where I now live) and it has always worked fine unless lighter bullets were used. The 36 and 32 grain bullets will not reliably function the slide due to lighter recoil energy.

Got one for my father in law a couple years ago that was made in Florida. That one requires being lubricated to work right. Needs a drop of oil or it jams. Mine runs when dry just fine.

You have to try several brands of ammo to see what works best.

 

[usp9]

For whatever reason Minimags have worked in mine. Bulk ammo has been problematic feeding but not firing.

 

[JDfromMA]

Just got back from the range. Must have been the bulk ammo because CCI Stingers worked 100%

 

[gbw]

On these guns the trigger guard is prone to break and is not repairable. It must be replaced and they are very scarce. Get a spare when/if you can. Probably a good idea to keep a trigger and hammer too.

Also, a shim (I use copper) to fill the space between the frame and the guard so the trigger guard isn't able to flex as much it may extend it's life - it is a cast pot metal part.

Great little pistols.

 

[Tilos]

JDfromMa:

Yup, better ammo cures a lot of problems.
Because you can practice a lot, cheaply, and become proficient, a 22 is a good choice for a CCW

Everytime I think I want another one, I look at the scars on my thumb.

Enjoy