New Member question re Black Widow issue

[HFB]

New member here seeking info. I purchased a convertible Black Widow in 2021 that is experiencing an issue I cannot figure out. The revolver is easy to cock when it is unloaded and loaded but unfired with the .22 LE cylinder. However, after one or at most, two shots of any of several brands of .22 LR ammo, the hammer "catches" at the midpoint of being cocked. Gentle upward pressure on the cylinder will cause the cylinder to rotate easily while the hammer continues backward to full cocked position. This only happens after a round is fired. I have tried reduced, standard and  high velocity rounds from Federal, CCI, Winchester, Remington and Aguila. All result in the same problem. I should point out that, while I purchased the revolver is 2021, I have not shot it extensively until recently. I would not attribute the problem to normal wear from thousands of rounds.

I contacted NAA and spoke with a gunsmith. He suggested vigorous cleaning of the bore befpre sending the revolver in for service if the problem continues. This week, I thoroughly cleaned the cylinder and the bore before firing another 200 rounds of Federal AutoMatch and CCI Blazer .22 LR. The problem continues. The problem does NOT occur when using the Magnum cylinder or when the .22 LR cylinder is unloaded or loaded and unfired. I am hoping the problem can be diagnosed and addressed without the expense of sending the little revolver back. Also, the problematic cylinder, despite its cocking issues, is VERY accurate. Has anyone experienced this problem and, if so, did it go away after time? I can use it at the range for now by assisting the cylinder rotation with my offhand thumb but I know I am compensating for a mechanical issue.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

[OV-1D]

Using any gun that has to be fudged with for it to preform correctly is a danger to yourself and others . Send the dang thing in with all parts and this explanation . Even state this post for more info if needed . Good luck my friend .    

[RogueTS1]

Sounds like a timing issue. NAA needs to fix it.

[top dog]

HFB,
First welcome to the forum. A great bunch of folks here>

I agree with OV-1D and Rogue. Send it back to NAA with both cylinders.

Contact NAA first and they will send you a shipping label.  Customer service there is superb with a pretty quick turn around time.

Now............you purchased your first NAA..................trust me...........they tend to "multiply"

No worries though,we are here to "help" you with your addiction.

                                               Top Dog

[Uncle_Lee]

You see what those who know best have posted.
Now send it back.
They would not mislead you.
 

[dinooch]

My experience dealing with NAA has been outstanding and this forum has also been very helpful especially when I first bought my 22lr mini and my 32acp Guardian.

NAA will fix your gun under warranty they have proven that to me twice.

[HFB]

Thanks to all for the replies.

[PocketMagnum]

NAA makes excellent firearms. But like all manufacturers, there are occasional issues with any man made item.

NAA has great customer service and warranty. They will fix you up no problem.

[top dog]

HFB,
OK,I guess by now you will be sending the piece back to NAA.

Let us know how it all works out.

You will see that the folks at NAA are superb.

                                      Top Dog

[HFB]

Top Dog - not yet. I emailed Customer Service last week with a detailed description of the issue and my experiences after talking to one of the gunsmiths two weeks ago. Waiting for a RMA.

It is not a timing issue. The cylinder locks up at full-cock and a .22 range rod encounters no resistance. There is no lead shaving nor spitting. I suspect there is an issue with tolerance stacking - very close tolerances between the rear of the cylinder and the frame combined with expanded rims on fired rounds. I have not put a feeler gauge between the rear of the cylinder and the frame but I can barely see light between the two surfaces when the revolver is spotlessly clean. After firing, the cylinder encounters drag midway through the cocking stroke that is not present when unloaded or unfired. I think the problem arises during cocking when a previously FIRED round advances clockwise and touches some point in the frame window. I should have checked that watching to see where the FIRST fired case is located when the drag is experienced. If the drag occurs only after two shots have been fired, the first fired round would be encountering resistance at the bottom of the frame window. I have no doubts the NAA gunsmiths will correct the issue.

I hope that the fix does not require a new cylinder as this gun will put rounds on steel at distances normally shot with rifles. The BW adjustable sights are excellent. The trigger is serviceable. The potato-shaped black rubber grips offer good purchase. Any limitations to place shots on man-sized steel targets out to 100 yards have not been seen in this particular revolver.   

All the best,

Hugh

[Uncle_Lee]

They will probably end up giving you a totally new one.