So I shot my 1974 27-2 for the 2nd time this weekend. I had at least 4 rounds that appeared to be duds. Upon closer inspection, they definitely appear to be light primer strikes. I compared those rounds side by side with spent rounds from my brother's 686 that he was also shooting, and the strikes do appear very light.

I'm new to the revolver world, and I have never before had an issue with light primer strikes. I would gladly send it back to S&W for a checkup if that is what is needed.

Any advice on next steps? Thanks in advance.

Check the mainspring strain screw on the bottom front of the grip frame. Might have to take the grips off.

+1 on the strain screw, 75% of the time some genius has loosened it "to get a better trigger pull."

yep its the screw, make sure its all the way in

First issue is ammo? If not factory, ditch the reloads until you figure out if it is gun or ammo.

Second is mainspring strain screw. Make sure it is tightened fully down. If so, and it still happens, someone may have filed some length off in an effort to have a lighter mainspring pressure and still be able to screw strain screw all the way down. Get a new mainspring strain screw and compare overall length. Install the longer one.

Then check the mainspring. It used to be fashionable to grind them down a little or bend them a little or otherwise modify them to take some pressure off of the spring. Get a new mainspring.

Next is the hammer nose. Make sure it has not had a tip broken off or damaged. Measure it to make sure it is long enough.

If it not something simple as set forth above, you may have headspace problems that need factory attention to correct end shake or something else.

Thanks a million, guys. I checked the screw, and there were still a few good turns left until it was good and tight, so I imagine that may be the culprit. I'll take her back out to the range in a few weeks to test. Most appreciated.

I suspect that you have fixed your problem. A half turn can make a big difference and if you made a full turn or more, there is a high probability that you fixed the problem.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

I have shot two different new 625-8 PCs that both was sent from factory with strain screw backed out a couple of turns and had light strikes. Tightened screws and fixed problem.

If that doesn't fix the problem (and I suspect if it was that loose it will) you can get a new mainspring for Wolff for about 10$.

__________________
Jim
Many K and N Frames

I have noticed that if the screw is not in all the way tight , they do have a tendency to back off by themselves if they don't have a drop of blue or purple Loctite on the threads.