I recently bought a S&W 3rd Model Perfected Single Shot .22. (SN 10564). Everything I've read indicates that these were manufactured to operate both single action and double action. My gun, however, is SA only. Does anyone know if these were made in SA only, or is it possible there are broken or missing parts preventing it from operating in DA mode. I have not taken the side plate off yet to clean/inspect the action.

If it's truly a 3rd model, and that's what your serial number indicates, then it should work in both single & double action. If not, you have some kind of problem with the internal parts, perhaps a worn hammer notch, or ??? Pull the side plate and observe the action as it cycles. You will probably see the problem. These are not complicated guns. Ed.

It may be as simple as someone having removed the double action sear since it serves no purpose on a single shot target pistol. You can check for the presence of the DA sear by just cocking the gun and looking at the front of the hammer to verify the presence or absence of the DA sear on the front of the hammer.

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Tom
1560

Thanks so much, I'll be sure to do that!

It was not that unusual for target shooters to remove the double action sear, as all competition was fired single action. I suppose that, in theory, lightening the hammer speeds the lock time and aids in a lighter trigger pull. I, for one, couldn't tell the difference. But then, I never shot the scores of some of the shooters that originally used them.

Bob