BSA Martini Firing Pin Spring

bill57

bill57

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As per title, anyone know of any suppliers/specialists who might be able to supply this item?

I'm getting a fair number of light strikes on the gun, firing pin condition and protrusion appear to be within spec.
 
If you measure the wire thickness, inside diameter and number of coils it's a pretty easy job for someone with a lathe to make for you.
 
bill57 said:
As per title, anyone know of any suppliers/specialists who might be able to supply this item?

I'm getting a fair number of light strikes on the gun, firing pin condition and protrusion appear to be within spec.
Click to expand...
There's loads of BSA actions in the local RFD scrap pile. I can check tomorrow
 
Which martini is it @bill57 ?
There a couple of actions in the scrap bin at Nth Cotes I think Mk3 or Mk5 not sure the springs are there I ll check on Wednesday.
If its a 12/15 I aren't sure
 
martini1215 said:
Which martini is it @bill57 ?
There a couple of actions in the scrap bin at Nth Cotes I think Mk3 or Mk5 not sure the springs are there I ll check on Wednesday.
If its a 12/15 I aren't sure
Click to expand...
Hi, it's an International Mk3, thanks very much. I'd happily pay for a spring and a firing pin if they were available?
 
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The firing pin spring only returns the pin so not likely to cause light strikes.
A weak main spring might
A general build up of crud can do strange things and any BSA martini will be due a bit of TLC
You might try a different brand of ammo. It wouldn't be the first time light strikes have been eradicated by switching ammo
 
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Here's a couple of strikes that didn't fire.
Musher said:
The firing pin spring only returns the pin so not likely to cause light strikes.
A weak main spring might
Click to expand...
In that case I'm mis-naming it, it is the main spring I'm referring to.

I notice you said a weak main spring "might" cause it? I have had the spring out and it feels reasonably strong, and I have wondered about the firing pin protrusion. I measured it at 27-29 thou, which according to the BSA Handbook is correct, but I assume dependent on headspace being correct as well - though I see no way to alter that.
 
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Here's a couple of the light strikes which failed to fire.

20260302_184952.webp
 
bill57 said:
Here's a couple of strikes that didn't fire.

In that case I'm mis-naming it, it is the main spring I'm referring to.

I notice you said a weak main spring "might" cause it? I have had the spring out and it feels reasonably strong, and I have wondered about the firing pin protrusion. I measured it at 27-29 thou, which according to the BSA Handbook is correct, but I assume dependent on headspace being correct as well - though I see no way to alter that.
Click to expand...
Martini mainsprings are pretty beefy and not generally known to be troublesome.
Seventy odd years build up of crud can do strange things and a few drops of oil in the right places ( NOT WD40) never goes amiss.
But my first suspicion is always the ammo.
Rimfire ammo can be fussy and a simple switch my be all that's necessary. Its worked in the past
 
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Musher said:
The firing pin spring only returns the pin so not likely to cause light strikes.
A weak main spring might
A general build up of crud can do strange things and any BSA martini will be due a bit of TLC
You might try a different brand of ammo. It wouldn't be the first time light strikes have been eradicated by switching ammo
Click to expand...
I have had the firing mechanism apart and cleaned out the firing pin channel thoroughly.
My first misfires were with SK ammunition, I then bought some Eley Club in the hope they might be better, but were in fact worse.
 
bill57 said:
Here's a couple of the light strikes which failed to fire.

View attachment 915612
Click to expand...
Have you had a look at the condition of the firing pin face. Is it worn or damaged?
I had a similar problem with a Savage .22RF and I put a new firing pin in and it solved the problem.
The pin I took out looked alright but there was a few thou. difference in the length probably due to wear.
 
Enfield2band said:
Have you had a look at the condition of the firing pin face. Is it worn or damaged?
I had a similar problem with a Savage .22RF and I put a new firing pin in and it solved the problem.
The pin I took out looked alright but there was a few thou. difference in the length probably due to wear.
Click to expand...
Yes, I have considered this, and the pin face looks OK. I might take it back out and look under a higher magnification to check again. I don't really want to do anything to it until I have a spare, since it's not like I can just order another one.

As I said to @martini1215 above, if there's a spare going I'll happily pay for it.
 
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