Rock Island M200 Misfire Problem - Gun or Ammo? RIA M200 - M206

Published on February 9, 2019
Duration: 27:21

This guide addresses misfire issues with a Rock Island M200 revolver, specifically when using Magtech ammunition. The analysis suggests a combination of potentially harder primers in Magtech ammunition and light, off-center primer strikes from the M200 itself are the primary causes. The video demonstrates troubleshooting steps including re-striking and rotating cartridges, and visually compares primer indentations to highlight the issue.

Quick Summary

Misfires in a Rock Island M200 with Magtech ammo are often caused by a combination of harder Magtech primers and the revolver's tendency for light, off-center primer strikes. This means the firing pin may not hit hard enough or in the correct spot to reliably ignite the primer, leading to failures to fire.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Problem Statement
  2. 00:46Testing Rock Island M200 with Federal Ammo
  3. 01:35Testing Magtech Ammo & Initial Misfires
  4. 02:30Examining Misfired Primers
  5. 03:17Troubleshooting Misfires: Re-striking & Rotating
  6. 04:19More Testing: Federal vs. Magtech
  7. 04:57Conclusion: Magtech Ammo is the Issue
  8. 05:26Primer Strike Analysis
  9. 06:16Comparing Primer Indentations
  10. 07:14Research Findings: Magtech Primers & M200 Strikes
  11. 08:15Combined Issues: Hard Primers & Light Strikes
  12. 09:00Recommendations & Potential Fixes
  13. 09:45Final Thoughts & Community Input

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Rock Island M200 misfire with Magtech ammunition?

The Rock Island M200 may misfire with Magtech ammunition due to a combination of factors. Magtech primers are often reported as being harder than those in other brands. Simultaneously, the M200 revolver can exhibit light or off-center primer strikes, meaning the firing pin doesn't hit hard enough or in the right spot to reliably ignite the harder Magtech primers.

What are the signs of light primer strikes on a revolver?

Signs of light primer strikes include misfires where the primer is visibly dented but the round doesn't fire. You might also notice that re-striking the primer or rotating the cartridge within the cylinder sometimes causes it to fire, indicating the initial strike was marginal. Comparing primer indentations, successful rounds will have deep, centered dents, while misfires will show shallow, inconsistent, or off-center marks.

Is Magtech ammunition bad for revolvers like the Rock Island M200?

Magtech ammunition isn't inherently 'bad,' but it can be incompatible with certain firearms. Revolvers like the Rock Island M200, which may have lighter firing pin springs or less precise firing pin alignment, can struggle to reliably ignite Magtech's harder primers. This combination frequently leads to misfires, making it a less suitable choice for these specific revolvers.

How can I fix light primer strikes on my Rock Island M200?

To address light primer strikes on a Rock Island M200, you can consider increasing the firing pin's impact force. One common suggestion is to replace the factory firing pin spring with a stronger one, such as a 9-pound spring from a compatible Smith & Wesson model. This can provide a more forceful strike necessary to reliably ignite primers, especially harder ones.

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