Vortex Strikerfire problems

[ProfJ]

Hi Folks,

I have a new Traditions Vortex Strikerfire. It shoots pretty well, but I find that after about half a dozen shots it stops locking closed. I have to disassemble the barrel lock and clean all the mating faces between the breech block and the lock face, and generally all the locking components, before it will lock again. Using a brass bush on the lock faces without disassembling the gun gives me a couple more shots, but that's all. This is really slowing down my shooting. I'm using Pyrodex. Any suggestions? Don't have this problem with my CVA Wolf.

Cheers,
Jon

 

[CatamountRob]

Hi Folks,

I have a new Traditions Vortex Strikerfire. It shoots pretty well, but I find that after about half a dozen shots it stops locking closed. I have to disassemble the barrel lock and clean all the mating faces between the breech block and the lock face, and generally all the locking components, before it will lock again. Using a brass bush on the lock faces without disassembling the gun gives me a couple more shots, but that's all. This is really slowing down my shooting. I'm using Pyrodex. Any suggestions? Don't have this problem with my CVA Wolf.

Cheers,
Jon

It might be helpful to post some pictures.

 

[phalanx]

Have you tried different primers? Or maybe use an o-ring in the breechplug in front of your primer to help seal it and keep blowback from fouling everything?

 

[ProfJ]

Have you tried different primers? Or maybe use an o-ring in the breechplug in front of your primer to help seal it and keep blowback from foulin

It might be helpful to post some pictures.

Good idea, pics attached here. I'm using Winchester 777 primers. This was after about six shots.

 

[Bowanna]

By God man, get yourself some McMaster Carr o-rings. That's one helluva blowback issue you got there.

 

[ProfJ]

By God man, get yourself some McMaster Carr o-rings. That's one helluva blowback issue you got there.

The breech plug has an o-ring on the outside, above the threads - are you referring to a different o-ring? Should I be trying to seal the primer?

 

[CatamountRob]

The breech plug has an o-ring on the outside, above the threads - are you referring to a different o-ring? Should I be trying to seal the primer?

Exactly. The O-rings he’s suggesting go in the primer pocket and prevent the blowback you’re getting.
No blowback, no fowling, no lockup problem.

 

[ProfJ]

Ok, this sounds good. Is there likely a thread on this that I can search? Or can someone explain in a couple sentences where the o-ring should sit? I'm a technical guy so won't be troubled finding the right o-ring, if I know where it's supposed to go. I'm guessing at this stage that it's slightly oversize for the primer pocket diameter, to keep it in place, and goes in front of the primer in the pocket?

 

[ProfJ]

Did some searching - I should use these guys (attached)? Stick them in the pocket in front of the primer?

 

[ElDiablo]

Yep - those are the ones many of us use. They go in the primer pocket of the plug.

I’m sure someone would be willing to mail you a few to try. They aren’t all that cheap with shipping.

 

[ProfJ]

Thanks - I ordered some anyway, I want to do a bunch of shooting this weekend. Looking forward to trying this out. Thanks to everybody for the helpful responses!

 

[CatamountRob]

You could also try different primers and try and find one that’s a better fit and results in less blow back but that’s hard to do these days unless you’ve already got them.

 

[phalanx]

Curious as to which primers you are using? Cheddites have been good in my Vortex but I do use the o ring set up. Glad you were able to find the thread(s) on them. I get terrible blowback on the Vortex using Winchester 209 primers and the 777 primers.

You can also find the o rings on amazon.

 

[Bowanna]

The breech plug has an o-ring on the outside, above the threads - are you referring to a different o-ring? Should I be trying to seal the primer?

McMaster Carr sells an o- ring to insert in the primer pocket to seal it from the blowback issue!

 

[ElDiablo]

McMaster Carr sells an o- ring to insert in the primer pocket to seal it from the blowback issue!View attachment 37080

Yes - the OP ordered some. See post 11.

 

[Bowanna]

Yes - the OP ordered some. See post 11.

I saw it after I posted, but I reckon lots of folks can type faster than me. Sorry D.

 

[ProfJ]

Curious as to which primers you are using? Cheddites have been good in my Vortex but I do use the o ring set up. Glad you were able to find the thread(s) on them. I get terrible blowback on the Vortex using Winchester 209 primers and the 777 primers.

You can also find the o rings on amazon.

These are Winchester 777 primers, so maybe that contributes to the problem. I'll get some Cheddites.

 

[phalanx]

Those Cheddites are worth a try for sure. Not the hottest primer out there but it does the job for me.

 

[ProfJ]

Hey Everybody, the o-rings worked incredibly well. Problem fixed! Thanks so much!

 

[phalanx]

Great to hear that ProfJ