Iver Johnson 3rd Model 5 shot .38 cal.

Question
I purchased a mint 3rd model Iver Johnson 5 shot .38 cal S&W break open with the safety hammer. I purchase a box of Winchester .38 S&W and loader her up. The firing pin strikes the primer but not deep enough to make it fire. I checked the firing pin and watched it through the gap between the cylinder and the back wall. When dry fired the firing pin goes all the way into the opening of the bullet bullet hole in the cylinder and appears to be deep enough to make the round fire. I also held my finger over the firing pin and dry fired it. The pin appeared forceful enough to make it fire the primer off. I tried about 10 diffrent rounds and all hand the same result....hit by the pin but did not fire. Has any one ever encountered this problem with their Iver Johnson .38 S&W ???  

Answer
I had a similar problem with my early model Ruger Blackhawk.  They eventually came out with a replacement firing pin and spring assembly.

I haven't heard of such a problem with the Iver Johnson, but I don't have one of those and so I can't check it for myself.

I found that the Federal primers require less force to fire. So, I recommend that you try a box of Federal cartridges to see if that works.  That would be an easier solution to having the gun re-worked.

If re-working the gun, first check to make sure that there is no havy grease in the firing pin and transfer bar area.  If not, it might turn out that you'll need a heavier spring.  

Hope this helps!

Dave