Author Topic: Scored a nice ITM AT84S, but it won't run  (Read 12916 times)

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Offline Bret

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Scored a nice ITM AT84S, but it won't run
« on: January 14, 2018, 04:02:42 PM »
I did the Buy It Now on GunBroker for an excellent looking ITM AT84S.  As you can see, it looks really nice for its age.


The single action trigger breaks very nicely at 3Lbs.  That's a little light for my taste, but it feels great.

It appears to be quite the score for what I paid, but my test firing didn't go so well.  I fired 10rds of Magtech 115gr FMJ and had three failures to eject, three failures to extract and three stovepipes on spent cases.  The one spent case that did eject successfully went just barely over the pistol and to the left.




At this point I have two questions.  Are parts interchangeable with CZ75's and where would you start in trying to fix it?

Offline Bret

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Re: Scored a nice ITM AT84S, but it won't run
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2018, 09:06:31 PM »
I took it apart and pretty quickly noticed that it appears to be patterned after Tanfoglio's, not CZ75's.  I also noticed that the ejector was broken off.  Perhaps the reason this pistol looks so good is that nobody bothered with it because it wouldn't run.  Any idea where I can get an ejector for this pistol?


Offline Vernonion

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Re: Scored a nice ITM AT84S, but it won't run
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2018, 10:54:36 PM »
If it is built with Tanfoglio parts as most searches indicate then this should be where you would look. http://eaacorp.com/gun_accessories/index.php/parts/tanfoglio/witness/witness-parts/witness/witness-sear-assy-housing-w-ejector-13-1-301741.html
It's worth a phone call for such a nice piece.  (321) 639-4842
« Last Edit: January 14, 2018, 11:01:03 PM by Vernonion »

Offline Grendel

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Re: Scored a nice ITM AT84S, but it won't run
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2018, 11:28:37 PM »
I'd change the springs too
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Offline cammobunker

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Re: Scored a nice ITM AT84S, but it won't run
« Reply #4 on: January 15, 2018, 10:38:20 AM »
OK, so it seems these were built in two different iterations. One, a straight up copy of the CZ-75 Original  are pretty difficult to come by here in the states, and the other which is what you have, a "copy of the copy" built on the Tanfoglio pattern. Interestingly, the legend goes that ITM simply bought unfinished parts from Tanfoglio and finished them out in Solothurn. If true, (and I have no reason to doubt it) then your problem should be easily addressed. We've seen a number of Tanfoglio pistols with broken ejectors here so in my mind that tends to reinforce the idea of Italian parts.  At the heart of it, your AT84S is a Tanfoglio, just with Swiss levels of fit and finish, especially externally.
The CZ copies were all Swiss made and evolved into what is currently being imported by Sphinx, the successor company to ITM.
Addressing your issues: Obviously needs a new sear housing cage/extractor. I'd second Grendel's suggestion for all new springs all the way around-older Tanfoglio springs seem to be a weak point. Pull the extractor, check for claw damage and debris in the channel, new spring.  Check the chamber for scoring or burrs. Clean the snot out of the whole gun-who knows how long it's been sitting with a broken extractor with the oil gumming up and collecting dust bunnies.
Sounds like a pain to do but those AT's are gorgeous guns, and well worth the effort.

Oh, and I'd certainly have a word with your seller from Gunbroker. We don't know if they knew it was broken or not, but I'd absolutely let them know about the condition of the gun as received.  I think I found your auction and that seller sells a lot of guns so probably had no idea, but you should let him know about it.
« Last Edit: January 15, 2018, 10:54:17 AM by cammobunker »

Offline Bret

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Re: Scored a nice ITM AT84S, but it won't run
« Reply #5 on: January 15, 2018, 11:17:39 AM »
Thanks for the information guys.  If I can get a replacement ejector, then it will still be worth it.  I don't mind tinkering, but having the part is obviously critical.  It would not surprise me in the least if the AT84S was only assembled and finished by ITM.  Comparing it to some of my other Tanfoglios, the parts look identical. 

I sent the seller an email yesterday along with a picture of the broken ejector.  I've yet to hear a response, but I'll give him another day.  Interestingly, when I looked through his feedback I saw some negatives from others with similar experiences.  They indicated that communication after receiving their firearms was poor.  I can certainly understand them missing a broken ejector as I wouldn't expect them to test fire a gun, though I'd think that they'd check it out before purchasing it.  I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that they didn't know about the hidden damage, but they should offer to make it right.  We'll see.  They describe the pistol as "Very Nice Lightly Used".  While it does look very nice, I wouldn't say that a pistol with a broken ejector qualifies as lightly used.  In the description they also say "This is a used firearm being sold as is. Ask questions before bidding!"  Perhaps I should have asked if it works?

Offline jwc007

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Re: Scored a nice ITM AT84S, but it won't run
« Reply #6 on: January 15, 2018, 06:23:15 PM »
I'm thinking that this would be the proper replacement:  https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/113910B
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Offline Bret

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Re: Scored a nice ITM AT84S, but it won't run
« Reply #7 on: January 15, 2018, 07:38:24 PM »
Ouch.  Well at least they have a good picture of it.  I think my best bet is to remove the broken part so I'll be able to compare it.  I'm going to wait for the seller to reply though.

Offline DF_Hammack

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Re: Scored a nice ITM AT84S, but it won't run
« Reply #8 on: January 15, 2018, 08:13:40 PM »
Evidently, you have a similar Tanfoglio. Why not disassemble the Tanfoglio and the ITM,  and spec the parts?  Measure the parts from each gun with a micrometer or caliper, and compare your notes. If the specs are close, function test the Tanfoglio extractor in the ITM.
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Offline Bret

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Re: Scored a nice ITM AT84S, but it won't run
« Reply #9 on: January 15, 2018, 08:19:11 PM »
I may do that.  I've got to figure out how to take this thing apart and put it back together anyway.

Offline Marauderx

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Re: Scored a nice ITM AT84S, but it won't run
« Reply #10 on: January 15, 2018, 11:17:15 PM »
Just make sure you place a paperclip through the hole in the safety, my detent flew and then bounced a total of 15 feet...

Offline Bret

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Re: Scored a nice ITM AT84S, but it won't run
« Reply #11 on: January 16, 2018, 09:17:15 AM »
I might just take them apart inside a bag.

Offline Bret

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Re: Scored a nice ITM AT84S, but it won't run
« Reply #12 on: January 16, 2018, 10:38:24 AM »
Surprisingly, the seller sent me an email asking me to return it to him for a full refund.  I'm torn.  I don't want a brick, but I definitely want to keep it if it's fixable.  I need to do a more thorough evaluation of my other Tanfoglio to see if it really has the same ejector.

On the outside chance that this pistol uses some sort of ejector assembly that's not actually available, could a gunsmith add one to the part by welding?

Offline DF_Hammack

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Re: Scored a nice ITM AT84S, but it won't run
« Reply #13 on: January 16, 2018, 01:03:39 PM »
That would be a tough call for me. but I think I would lean toward keeping it. It looks like the going price, used is in the range of $450- $550. Other than the ejector and the springs, it seems to be in pretty good condition. I might look at it as a place to start for a custom gun, and learn on it. The trigger sounds like it is "race ready", already. Whatever you learn is well worth the price difference. I think I would keep it, and if I couldn't iron out the problems, sell it as parts gun. Really though, I don't think there is a lot wrong with it.
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Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American - Congressman Tenche Coxe, 1788

Offline win308

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Re: Scored a nice ITM AT84S, but it won't run
« Reply #14 on: January 16, 2018, 01:32:49 PM »
I switched the sear cage and sear from a compact polymer Witness Tanfoglio with a steel small frame TA90 and the part fit and worked perfectly.  Try EAA for a sear cage for a modern Tanfoglio poly (small frame) for price.