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12-20-2010, 06:21 PM
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1956 K-38 Target Masterpiece Push-Off Problem
I have a 1956 K-38 Target Masterpiece that has a problem with hammer push off. I've heard that this can be a typical problem with this age revolver. What is the most likely cause of this? The weapon doesn't have much wear and doesn't look like it has been fired very much. I know that doesn't mean much but it has me puzzled.
Thanks in advance for the help.
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12-20-2010, 06:51 PM
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The first thing I would do is give it a very thourough cleaning. Some dried up old grease in the sear notch on the hammer can cause this problem.
If that doesn't solve the problem, it's best to find a gunsmith who is both very good and highly recomended for working on old Smith's. Note, now that semi autos are the most popular handgun, it may not be easy to find a local gunsmith who is truly qualified to work on an older revolver, make sure you obtain and check references before handing your gun over to someone you found in the yellow pages. Best case re-dressing the sear on the trigger will solve the problem. Worst case, you looking at having a new hammer and possibly a trigger fitted to your gun.
As for doing it yourself, re-dressing the sear on the trigger isn't very difficult. However, you'll need a microscope to inspect the sear notch on the hammer and I don't know of any way to repair a hammer with a damaged sear notch. Which means fitting new parts to your gun if there is too much damage, in which case I'd have a Pro do the work.
Bottomline, even if it's a potentially easy fix, due to it being a Safety issue, it's better to spend the money and let a real pro do the work.
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12-20-2010, 08:32 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chevygarage
I have a 1956 K-38 Target Masterpiece that has a problem with hammer push off. I've heard that this can be a typical problem with this age revolver. What is the most likely cause of this?
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somebody stoned the trigger or sear to get a "lighter pull".
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12-20-2010, 09:18 PM
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Thanks for everyone's response. I disassembled the weapon and found the rebound slide spring appears to have been cut. There is a sharp "barb" on one end of the spring. If the spring has been shortened could this cause the problem? I looked at both the hammer and trigger and they don't appear to have been stoned. This was with the naked eye because my loupe at my office. Thanks
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12-20-2010, 09:25 PM
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If it is a stock S&W rebound slide spring, it should have 17 coils. As what you said of one end being sharp, it would be a fair guess the rebound slide spring has been cut. Replacing this with a stock S&W spring should solve your push off problem. This is a fix you can do yourself. In the case the spring replacement doesn't fix the push off problem, then follow what the previous posters stated.
Hope this helps
chris
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12-20-2010, 10:52 PM
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Thank you all for your help. I'm going to try a new spring and see what happens. Thanks again.
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12-20-2010, 11:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by S&W revolverman
it would be a fair guess the rebound slide spring has been cut. Replacing this with a stock S&W spring should solve your push off problem. This is a fix you can do yourself. In the case the spring replacement doesn't fix the push off problem, then follow what the previous posters stated.
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A stock rebound spring may help mask the problem but if the sear surfaces are good it won't push off even with the rebound spring removed.
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12-21-2010, 02:46 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chevygarage
Thanks for everyone's response. I disassembled the weapon and found the rebound slide spring appears to have been cut. There is a sharp "barb" on one end of the spring. If the spring has been shortened could this cause the problem?
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Never has on any of mine. I have set up some ridiculously light springs in my comp guns and really cut the RB springs in those. Never had a push off problem yet. BTW, the "cut" end of the spring should go into the slide and the clean end rides on the frame post.
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12-21-2010, 12:51 PM
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chevygargage:
The only time I have experienced "push off" on a S&W is when someone has stoned the internals to "improve" the action and lighten it up on a gun that was previously owned, and ONLY one time in a brand new gun out of the box (a boo boo form the Factory). I will not say that it is impossible to come from shooting a gun a lot, but I have yet to personally experience that.
I have tuned my own revolvers that I use for Target work, and have never gotten "push off" from a lightened spring. I would say if a Gunsmith can not repair the notch, you will more than likely have to go for a new hammer & trigger. Without actually seeing the internals, none of us can diagnose the exact cause here, but sloppy smithing is more than likely the cause.
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12-21-2010, 05:52 PM
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I think it is fairly safe to assume that if someone cut the rebound slide spring that would likely not be the only thing they messed with while they were inside the revolver. My guess is that someone tinkering with the sear surface is responsible for the "push off" problem. Unfortunately, this could entail replacement of the hammer and possibly the trigger as well. I hope everything works out fot you.
Steve
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12-21-2010, 11:05 PM
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If the problem is the trigger
Have you checked out Post #6 in the Sticky at the top of the Smithing section?
FAQ's
Folks tend to stay away from stoning on the hammer, but the trigger might be able to be saved if that is the problem.
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01-02-2011, 11:09 PM
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Plan B Help!!
I have decided to replace the hammer, trigger and spring. Where can I find these parts? I would love to find the original style parts but what is my other alternative if they are impossible to find. What other K-Frame target hammers and triggers will work? I really appreciate everyones help. Thanks Mark
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01-03-2011, 11:23 AM
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You can try the usual places like Brownell's, Numrich aka (Gun Parts),
Jack First, S&W, then if not successful, you will have to hit the internet for some of the smaller suppliers.
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01-04-2011, 10:23 PM
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For the rebound slide spring, I would suggest Wolffs.
For the trigger and hammer, try the classified's. You might try here:
S&W K,L, and N frame parts
He has more parts than are listed. I just got a target trigger and hammer for my model 19.
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