Misfire question (how long on a slow primer?)

PaladinX13 · July 6, 2005, 01:49 PM

Common safety instruction is to keep a gun pointed at the target after a misfire in case of a slow primer. A commonly cited advantage of the revolver is to simply pull the trigger to cycle to the next round in case of a misfire. What happens when these two events collide (you cycle to the next round- in a rapid fire or defense situation- but your misfired round goes off)? Is it likely or even possible? Just how slow can a slow primer be?

kojak · July 6, 2005, 03:19 PM

Of course that can happen. Misfires aren't that common, though. In 99% of all cases the primer wasn't hit hard enough.

After a misfire you have to wait at least 10 seconds, some advice to wait for 30 seconds..

What would happen in a revolver? Most probably you would cycle the round 1 or 2 chambers in counter-clock direction at S&W. That means if your round goes of the bullet would hit the frame. But not fully, only at the edge. The barrel's forcing cone isn't there, too. So the distance to the frame would be larger and pressure way lower. I don't know the internal ballistics, but I guess even so low that the powder burns totally different and gives you much less energy..
Most probably your gun would be damaged but not so much damaged that you are wounded. IMO it is totally unlikely to loose a hand in such a case.

ATW525 · July 6, 2005, 03:30 PM

It doesn't sound much different than a chain fire in a cap and ball revolver. It could potentially be a problem if the round makes it all the way to the bottom position before going off, where it would hit the frame head on. Generally I wouldn't worry about it as long as you keep the revolver pointed in a safe direction.

Capt. Charlie · July 6, 2005, 03:47 PM

I've only seen 2 hangfires in my life, and both went off in less than two seconds from hammer strike.

**JohnKSa** · July 6, 2005, 08:59 PM

At the range, why take the chance. Leave it pointed downrange for 30 seconds. It's not going to cost you anything significant.

Sir William · July 6, 2005, 09:19 PM

I am aware of one failure to ignite that waited until a shooter left the range. He almost lost his right hand. Right thumb is decorative only. He was loading his range bag into his car and about to leave the range. I suggest a full minute and then unload.

July 6, 2005, 01:49 PM	#1
PaladinX13 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2000 Posts: 519	Misfire question (how long on a slow primer?) Common safety instruction is to keep a gun pointed at the target after a misfire in case of a slow primer. A commonly cited advantage of the revolver is to simply pull the trigger to cycle to the next round in case of a misfire. What happens when these two events collide (you cycle to the next round- in a rapid fire or defense situation- but your misfired round goes off)? Is it likely or even possible? Just how slow can a slow primer be?

July 6, 2005, 03:47 PM	#4
Capt. Charlie Moderator Emeritus Join Date: March 24, 2005 Location: Steubenville, OH Posts: 4,446	I've only seen 2 hangfires in my life, and both went off in less than two seconds from hammer strike. __________________ TFL Members are ambassadors to the world for firearm owners. What kind of ambassador does *your* post make *you?* I train in earnest, to do the things that I pray in earnest, I'll never have to do. --Capt. Charlie

July 6, 2005, 08:59 PM	#5
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 24,975	At the range, why take the chance. Leave it pointed downrange for 30 seconds. It's not going to cost you anything significant. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

July 6, 2005, 03:19 PM	#2
kojak Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Posts: 98	Of course that can happen. Misfires aren't that common, though. In 99% of all cases the primer wasn't hit hard enough. After a misfire you have to wait at least 10 seconds, some advice to wait for 30 seconds.. What would happen in a revolver? Most probably you would cycle the round 1 or 2 chambers in counter-clock direction at S&W. That means if your round goes of the bullet would hit the frame. But not fully, only at the edge. The barrel's forcing cone isn't there, too. So the distance to the frame would be larger and pressure way lower. I don't know the internal ballistics, but I guess even so low that the powder burns totally different and gives you much less energy.. Most probably your gun would be damaged but not so much damaged that you are wounded. IMO it is totally unlikely to loose a hand in such a case.

July 6, 2005, 03:30 PM	#3
ATW525 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2005 Location: Concord, NH Posts: 2,723	It doesn't sound much different than a chain fire in a cap and ball revolver. It could potentially be a problem if the round makes it all the way to the bottom position before going off, where it would hit the frame head on. Generally I wouldn't worry about it as long as you keep the revolver pointed in a safe direction.

July 6, 2005, 09:19 PM	#6
Sir William Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2004 Posts: 3,261	I am aware of one failure to ignite that waited until a shooter left the range. He almost lost his right hand. Right thumb is decorative only. He was loading his range bag into his car and about to leave the range. I suggest a full minute and then unload.