.44 Light Strikes

So this can't be good...

Saucy Trollop, the ex, and I went to the range Sunday for some fun.  I brought both 1911s, and she brought her XD 40 and her GARGANTUAN .44 Magnum. 

About that .44, it's been getting worse over time.

I noticed when she got it, it would occasionally not go off when fired Single Action.  And since this is her preferred way of shooting that big revolver, she'd notice such behavior.  I try to train her to do the "wait 30 seconds before trying again" thing in case it cooks off late, but the lesson isn't always sticking.  I have nightmares about a round cooking off that isn't behind the barrel's forcing cone.  Especially rounds that big. 

Inspection of these duds shows a lighter than normal dimple on the primer.  Aha!  Light strikes. 

They always worked for me when I reused these and fired the cylinder double action.  Every time.  Except this last time.  We now got a .44 round with a full normal dimple on the back that didn't go off.  Damn. 

These issues have gotten more frequent over time.  Time to sideline the .44 from active service until the problem is addressed.

Solutions?  I recommended she get another ammo type.  She has Remington now.  I think she might get better performance if she had Federal types.  American Eagle and the like.  Federal has a reputation for light primers.

But that's not enough.  I am going to take this puppy to my local gunsmith and get the gun inspected.  Perhaps the firing pin has worn from use or some other adjustment can be made.  Based on how the Double Action trigger feels this used gun is well worn in, methinks.  Is a very nice DA.  And it never fails to attract attention.  One of my favorite range days is for her to accompany me, me with my snubbie S&W 640, her with the hand cannon 10" S&W 629.  Her gun always attracts attention at the range.  Moreso when they learn the little gun is mine, big burly me, and the artillery is little ol hers.

But yeah.  Gunsmith.  Definitely.