Ithaca model 72 .22 lever - Misfires

[knzn]

My brother in-law has an Ithaca model 72 "Saddle Carbine" .22 lever action rifle. It's problem is that on the first trigger pull there is only a lite primer strike, then upon cocking the hammer and giving a second pull the round will fire. I am not expecting it's problem to be diagnosed site unseen, but was wondering if anyone has had a similar problem before.
I guess the fireing pin could be worn down, but don't know what it should measure. The main spring does feel pretty weak, but I don't know what a proper one should feel like. Just taking shots in the dark so to speak, mabe the bolt is no longer closing close enough to the rim of the cartridge. (Head space?)

I have heard (Read) lots of horror stories about taking apart other lever actions such as Brownings etc., but I am quite impressed on how simple this action is. He has owned and shot it many trouble free years. I think it has spent close to 30 years riding in his pick-ups.

Anyway, just looking for ideas.

Thanks.

 

[dfariswheel]

Step one is to give the action, bolt, and firing pin a GOOD cleaning and lubing.
Also clean the chamber.

Often misfires in .22's is nothing more than an action that hasn't been serviced in 30 years.


Second, check the firing pin for breaks or wear.

Third, try different ammo.

Fourth, buy a new mainspring from one of the parts houses.

I'm not sure, if the Model 49 Repeater is the same as the Model 72.
The Model 72 was made for Ithaca by Erma of Germany, and I "think" Erma also sold it under their name as the EG-712 and EG-73.

 

[knzn]

Often misfires in .22's is nothing more than an action that hasn't been serviced in 30 years.


Second, check the firing pin for breaks or wear.

Third, try different ammo.

Fourth, buy a new mainspring from one of the parts houses.

I'm not sure, if the Model 49 Repeater is the same as the Model 72.
The Model 72 was made for Ithaca by Erma of Germany, and I "think" Erma also sold it under their name as the EG-712 and EG-73.

Thanks for your reply. Did the total strip and clean thing right off the bat. It needed it, but didn't fix it. Trying several brands of ammo, no luck.

The model 49 is not the same critter as the 72. Can find 49 parts all over the place, but no luck so far in finding 72 parts.

Yep, definitly made by Erma. No obvious wear on the firing pin, but without any specs to check it against just not sure about it.

If I could just pick up the phone and order a firing pin and spring I would, but like I said, no luck in finding them.

Thanks again.

 

[Johnpl]

I know that the Henry .22 lever action is the built on the same design as the Ithaca/Erma .22...Contact Henry Arms to see if the parts interchange. I hear that Henry has great customer service, in fact the president of the company often responds personally to questions posted in the Henry section of rimfirecentral.com.

 

[dfariswheel]

I did a little research with the parts houses:

Jack First lists the Ithaca Model 72:
http://www.jackfirstgun.com/

Bob's Gun Parts carry many Ithaca Model 72 parts INCLUDING a spring kit.
http://www.gun-parts.com/ithica/

I'd start off with a mainspring.

As long as you're getting a normal shaped firing pin indent on the cartridge rim, it's probably not the pin.

 

[knzn]

Johnpl:

Thanks. I frequent rimfirecentral, but never been to the Henry forum there. May need to check in there.

dfariswheel:

Thank you too. Two great links to part sites I had not yet discovered.

 

[white---op]

ithaca model 72 saddle gun

Does anyone know where to find a ithaca model72 mag tube inner..ive looked everywhere..please help