Fail To Fire in my H001T

[henry22]

Hello guys. I noticed a few weeks ago that I had more than just a few FTF's shooting Blazer. I had been shooting Blazer 500 round boxes all summer with only a FTF once in awhile. Then about 2 weeks ago, I noticed more than one or 2. It seemed like every 8th round wouldn't discharge.

I switched to CCI, trying standard velocity, mini-mags (both 36 and 40 grain) I do have to say, that the standard velocity is the most accurate I've experienced with this rifle - superb at 50 yard's actually, 1/4" groups and many cloverleafs, repeatedly.

Back to the FTF issue. I do notice sometimes, that when I'm squeezing the trigger, I feel a light hammer strike - it dosesn't go SNAP like the firing pin on my CZ.

I looked at the backs of the primers after the FTF's, and sometimes the strike mark looks weak.

Have any of you had any issues like this? And what would Henry typically do in that situation?

Much thanks.

[RanchRoper]

Contact HRA right away. They will look after you.

[JEBar]

have you had any FTF's with CCI's

[henry22]

Yes, the FTF started with Blazer a few weeks ago. I had some in the past, but they were rare. Now, with CCI's, from Standard Velocity, Mini-Mags, both 40 and 36 grain.

I took a few pictures of my bolt face, with the firing pin depressed from the rear:
Notice that pin, it always ends up protruding from the top of the bolt over a few shots. When I've dis-assembled the rifle to clean the bolt, I always push the pin back down with a small punch, but it always makes its way back up again.

BOLT SIDE.JPG

BOLT PIN.JPG

BOLT FACE.JPG

I know the bolt face picture isn't crystal clear.
It was difficult to get an in focus close-up. Could the firing pin's face be worn? Or not extruding enough from the bolt face? I have no idea.

I had to add this, I saved the target from today.

I've been trying different CCI ammo, Mini-Mags, 36 grain & 40 grain, and finally, Standard Velocity 40 grain, 1070 FPS. WOW. I've never shot so consistently with this ammo through the Henry. I think I've found my new ammo. After the target, I threaded some bamboo skewers (cut into 1 inch lengths) into some very small orange marrets, then spiked them onto the target board, and orange spray painted peanuts, — spiked vertically onto toothpicks. I was able to hit every single one of them without any real effort it seemed. It's definitely not me, because I've missed many times, but come close with Blazer. This Standard Velocity ammo is the real deal. Amazing.

[Mistered]

Remove the firing pin and take a picture of it laying flat, on a piece of paper and post please.
Also did you happen to save any of the FTF rounds? I would like to see the firing pin dents in them.

[JEBar]

with FTF's using multiple different brands of ammo, I agree that it would be wise to contact Henry .... how old is your rifle ..

[henry22]

JEBar, I bought rifle brand new in March of 2018. I shot it steady from April of 2018, to November 2018, then again this years starting in April. The rifle is only over a year old, but I have put at least 8000 rounds through it since I bought it, probably a bit more. When I first got it, I was shooting 1000 rounds per week.

Mistered, I don't know how to remove the actual firing pin from the bolt. I always wondered how to dis-assemble the Henry 22 bolts, but was afraid to try thinking I might screw something up.

I did save 2 of the FTF casings. And I should add, that because I love shooting so much, I HATE when a round is wasted due to FTF. So, I've gotten into the habit of waiting 10-15 seconds, ejecting the failed round, rolling it, and inserting it manually back into the chamber via the ejection port, and re-firing. It always works.

BUT, today, I tried the same thing with one FTF round, as I've always done, and instead simply firing, it fired, but I felt a kind of "SNAP" like a shock on the tip of my nose. I noticed a lot of smoke smoldering around the receiver, and it kept smoldering for a few seconds. It really freaked me out. I ejected the casing, and noticed a black charred ring on the outside edge of the primer lip.

Here's the pics of the casings, with 2 pin strikes on each: Keep in mind, after both FTF, I inserted each cartridge back into the chamber. Both fired, but one smoked or snapped, crackled or something. Not sure what happened. It was like the primer edge became charred and deformed.

[Mags]

I don't have an H001T. I've had FTF in my .30-30. Always when it happened, the first round from a full magazine.

[Henry88]

I had the same problem a while back. The channel the firing pin rides in is probably gunked up. It requires a pin (not the one highlighted) to be pushed to completely remove the firing pin, but the firing pin will pull up enough to clean the channel without removing.

This is not an "if" it happens but a "when" it happens. The dirtier the ammo, of course, the quicker it will happen.

The pin highlighted is for the extractor and is a separate issue.

[Henry88]

Is FTF used interchangeably for Fail to Fire and Fail to Feed?

I'm assuming the OP meant the former...................

[Mistered]

but I have put at least 8000 rounds through it since I bought it,probably a bit more.

After reading this Part you are WAY past due for a COMPLETE disassembly and cleaning - and this includes removal of the firing pin - along with everything else so it looks like an 'exploded' parts diagram on your bench !
You need to do this first before anything further, guessing or speculating.
.22 ammo is very dirty as it is very possible you are getting occasional 'cushioning' of a round due to carbon buildup, then on the 2nd try the round chambers solidly enough to fire.
Also it is possible the snap you are hearing and the smoke from the chamber is due to excessive carbon buildup inside the chamber and is slightly blocking it causing back pressure. I once saw a .22 rifle so dirty the bullet jammed and the pressure ripped the rim off the case.
It is very likely after after a complete break down and intense cleaning this problem will be gone.

And what would Henry typically do in that situation?

Most likely exactly what I recommend.

[JEBar]

AGREE

[henry22]

Henry 88, how do I remove the firing pin and clean that channel? Is it something I can do, or should I send the bolt to Henry? I'm mechanically inclined, and very comfortable completely dis-assembling both my H001T and H001M.

But the bolt is another story. How do you lift that pin to gain access to the firing pin and channel?

And, do you think the firing pin itself is sound?

Can you immerse these Henry rimfire bolts into a jar with solvent, and soak them overnight, then blow out the debris or gunk with an air hose?

[henry22]

Mistered, JEBar, what's the process to disassemble that bolt. I've never been able to find a video anywhere online.

Much thanks guys.

[Mistered]

I do not own this particular rifle and I am quite sure there are instruction somewhere on the internet describing disassembly procedures. If not inspect it, look for pins that need removal and if anything is 'spring loaded' make sure you hang onto it so something doesn't go flying when removed or better yet disassemble the bolt inside a gallon size plastic bag to prevent parts loss.
My point being is There ain't much to any lever action rifle bolt and they are pretty basic and simple to disassemble and If you are mechanically inclined and comfortable disasssmbling the rest of the rifle then the bolt disassembly should be a no brainer.

And, do you think the firing pin itself is sound?

Probably - providing you have never (or at least minimally) dry fired the rifle.

[Henry88]

Henry 88, how do I remove the firing pin and clean that channel? Is it something I can do, or should I send the bolt to Henry? I'm mechanically inclined, and very comfortable completely dis-assembling both my H001T and H001M.

But the bolt is another story. How do you lift that pin to gain access to the firing pin and channel?

And, do you think the firing pin itself is sound?

Can you immerse these Henry rimfire bolts into a jar with solvent, and soak them overnight, then blow out the debris or gunk with an air hose?

There is a complete video guide on the Henry website.


https://www.henryusa.com/own-a-henry/he ... h001-22lr/

There is one pin holding in the firing pin and apparently a spring underneath it. As I said, lifting the pin and using the firearms cleaner cleaner of your choice (one with a straw to increase velocity) and keep hitting it, I got the channel clean.

What I should have done is what Mistered suggested. Next time..........

BTW, the firing pin appears recessed cause it's held back by a spring, giving it space to attain velocity upon release.

[JEBar]

Mistered, JEBar, what's the process to disassemble that bolt. I've never been able to find a video anywhere online.

Much thanks guys.

disassembly and removing the bolt is shown in the video below .... as with most that I've seen, they don't get into taking the bolt apart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmUfDVxqG8c

[henry22]

Thanks guys. I just spoke with Jeff at Henry. I asked him, in his opinion what might cause the light primer strikes, looking at previous calls. He said it's usually a case of dry firing, which results in a worn firing pin.

I can either send my rifle to a company here in Ontario that is the sole warranty provider for Henry rifles, or bring it to my gunsmith. I also found out that he can order parts directly from the warranty company (if they have them in stock). It could be as simple as replacing the firing pin.

The thing is, I don't sit at home and dry fire the weapon, but I told Jeff, that often when I'm shooting, if I'm not counting the rounds, the last one typically goes "CLICK", and then I know I'm empty. How many times have I done that....? If I've put 8000+ plus rounds through this rifle, probably quite a few times.

I have no idea how many "CLICKS" it takes though for a firing pin in a Henry to become questionable.

Jeff suggested putting a snap cap or dummy round in as the last round in the tube. But honestly, most of the time, I just sit at the bench and load a single round at a time into the chamber from the ejection port, because I'm lazy, and it's fast.

Regarding the bolt, as far as disassembly goes, I think I'll leave that to the smith. The first thing he might do is soak the bolt in solvent, and use an air hose/compressor to blow it out. But likely he'll dis-assemble the bolt, and in inspect the channel and firing pin.

I really would like to see a Henry bolt completely disassembled though, just to see the inner parts, and how it's put together.

[Mistered]

He said it's usually a case of dry firing, which results in a worn firing pin.

Yea wondered that myself and asked you about it HOWEVER - I STILL maintain you disassemble the bolt and clean the parts.
It cannot be that difficult. I have disassembled bolts from more guns that I can remember and a few have been a little more challenging than others but never something I could not do.
This way once you do it you can inspect the firing pin and if it shows any 'peening' on the end of it just go ahead and replace it.
You kill 'two birds with one stone' here - you learn how to disassemble your bolt AND replace the firing pin - IF really necessary - which It may NOT be.

[CT_Shooter]

Thanks guys. I just spoke with Jeff at Henry. I asked him, in his opinion what might cause the light primer strikes, looking at previous calls. He said it's usually a case of dry firing, which results in a worn firing pin.

... I told Jeff, that often when I'm shooting, if I'm not counting the rounds, the last one typically goes "CLICK", and then I know I'm empty. How many times have I done that....? If I've put 8000+ plus rounds through this rifle, probably quite a few times.

Soon after I got my H001, I talked to Henry CS to inquire about dry firing because, like you, I would lose count and pull the trigger on an empty chamber. They strongly advised against dry firing any of their rim fire rifles and suggested using a .22 Short as the the last round in a tube of .22 LRs to serve as an indicator since it would feel and sound different. Now, I do that.

Good luck with your gun. You seem to shoot it more than many of us shoot ours! I hope to read that you've solved the problem.