Having a problem with the trigger on my new 586-8 (4” barrel) locking up on me – need help figuring it out. The trigger randomly freezes (locks up) during both live fire & dry fire. The trigger locks up between shots, after it has been fully released, but before the next trigger squeeze starts. This happens with slow, double action fire. I haven’t tried rapid fire or single action.

In approximately 200 trigger pulls, the trigger locked up 3 times. 70 live fire rounds were with American Eagle, 38 Special, 130 grain, FMJ. The approximately 130 dry fire trigger pulls were with Snap Caps.

The first time the trigger locked up, it was with Snap Caps at home. Although the locked indicator flag was not engaged, I noticed it was a fraction of an inch higher than my other S & W revolvers – sorry, doesn’t show up in pictures – kind of need to feel it with your finger.

Up to this point, I hadn’t used the internal lock (I never do). I dug out the keys & tried the lock. I locked the internal lock – the flag became fully engaged. I then unlocked it & the trigger once again worked normally. But the flag went back its original position – a fraction of an inch higher.

The next 2 times the trigger locked by itself was during live fire at the range. Since I didn’t have the key with me, the only thing I could think to try was cocking the hammer. I was able to cock it only part way, but each time it unlocked the trigger.

The gun is new, so the repairs should be covered under warranty. In the last 15 years, this is my 10th new S&W revolver – love them Smiths. I’ve had to send 2 others back for warranty work – I’d rather not have to send this one back too.

Any suggestions on what’s causing the self-locking trigger problem? Is this a malfunctioning internal lock? And please, this is not a thread about bashing the internal lock – if that’s the problem – this is just a mechanically challenged shooter needing help.

Did you try squirting some oil down into the action?
Maybe the DA sear is not fitted correctly.

That's what I would do, put a drop of ballistol down front of hammer work it a few times and hold gun upside down 1 drop in front of trigger and 1 drop behind it. Work the action a few times clean up any drippings with q-tip. Then try dry firing with snap caps. Could be just a tiny particle or shaving inside getting caught up somewhere.

Can you clarify on this? Did cocking the hammer fix the trouble?

When it's locked up were you always firing it double action?

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Waiting for the break of day

Thanks for the responses. I'll try the ballistol. Appreciate the detail on how to do it - as I said, I'm mechanically challenged.

Yes, cocking the hammer unlocked the trigger at the range. The hammer would not fully cock with the trigger locked & would not stay cocked when I released the hammer - first time it would only cock half way back & the second time it would only cock back 1/4 inch. Once the trigger unlocks, the hammer cocks normally. All trigger pulls, both live fire & dry fire, were slow fire, double action.

You might also try oiling the detent pawl too but to be honest, this is a job for S&W warranty service if you want the gun 100% reliable. Call them!

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Dave

You know what will happen if you send it back. They'll dry fire it 10 times and then say they couldn't reproduce the problem, and they'll send it back to you...probably with a new scratch for good measure LOL. I would pop the side plate, and inspect things. Maybe remove the lock entirely, and finely polish all surfaces while in there.

I would do this and if problem goes away then you'd have an answer.

It's not hard to do but if you're challenged as you say it does have a few steps that can cause trouble.

Send it back and hope once is all it takes.

I had that happen with a GP100 and Ruger replaced the pawl. No more problems.

consider the cylinder hand might be too long

Sounds like a broken trigger pivot pin to me.

It might be the double action sear binding. Maybe the little spring got a kink in it or there is a burr in the mortise on the hammer or on the sear itself.

I think the knibbly pin is rubbing on the muffler bearing.

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NRA Benefactor