I recently acquired a
used Smith & Wesson model 696-1 .44 Special revolver. This is the model with the frame mounted firing pin, but no lock. It is in great condition with a very tight, smooth action. I have just begun to reload for it, and am working on some 240 gr loads. I reload about 15 rounds at a time of a particular powder weight, then to the range for testing. I am trying to approximate factory loads for now, using different powders as suggested by my reloading books.
The problems is that I am getting light firing pin strikes at random intervals; roughly one every 12 to 15 shots. The hammer falls, I can hear it strike, but the round fails to fire. I count to 15, open the cylinder, and find a very light firing pin indentation on the primer. I close the cylinder, position the round, then pull the trigger. The round fires, the pin indentation on this primer looking like all the rest of the fired primers.
At home, I pull the trigger on an empty cylinder, watching through the cylinder gap at the firing pin as it appears through face of the frame. It appears to be working at full strength. With the hammer cocked, I can push on the rear of the firing pin working it back and forth against the spring pressure. There appears to be no obstruction.
Then, I cock the hammer, point the muzzle toward the ceiling, drop a pencil eraser end first down the barrel and cylinder. Pulling the trigger releases the hammer, which strikes the firing pin, propelling the pencil out of the barrel by about 8 to 10 inches. I spend 15 minutes, doing this, and note that there are 2 or 3 times when the pencil looses strength, sometimes barely clears the muzzle. Following this, it is propelled upward with original strength. I cannot predict when the weak strikes will occur.
Question #1: Has anyone else experienced this? Or hear of this happening?
Question #2: How do I fix it? Or, can I fix it myself?
I have a bad feeling I will wind up sending this back to S&W for their attention. Since I bought it used, I will probably have to pay for whatever must be done, as I doubt any warranty will cover it.
Any advice?