My used Model 41 shoots great, and I love it, but it does the following maybe 2% of the time: after cycling and firing flawlessly for many shots, I will start to squeeze the trigger, and squeeze harder, and harder ... until I realize that it is not pulling, and that I am going to have to eject the chambered round and try again. Before ejecting the round, I remove the magazine, and then as I start to pull back on the slide (a quarter of an inch), I hear and feel a click or clunk ... inside the slide itself. I presume it is the hammer falling.
I have considered NOT doing anything about this because it only happens maybe once or twice every 100 shots, but it is definitely an operating problem and, considering how nice the gun is, kind of depressing to live with. Does anyone have any solutions or ideas? I know that I can send it to Smith's service dept. in Springfield, but I want to see if there is an easy remedy at home.

Have you cleaned the gun carefully? Have you tried adjusting the over-travel screw behind the trigger?

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Mark

Mine would do something similar when I first got it (used). By watching the trigger closely after I was unable to fire it, I noticed the trigger slowly return to firing position. Detailed cleaning and lubrication in that area took care of it and it has never happened since.

I never tried retracting the slide so don't know if that would have snapped the trigger back into correct position or not.

Assuming that nothing like a spring is broken or bent, I would have to say that a really good cleaning is in order. Use a sprayer to get the solvent throughout the mechanism. After a really good cleaning, make sure you use a THIN type lube like Rig #2 Oil or Remoil. After you clean and oil it, I would check to see if the Allen head trigger stop screw isn't adjusted too far in. I know we all like to have as little trigger play as possible after the shot, but you need to have some to keep it functioning correctly. One of those two items should do the trick.

Regards,
Chief38

Thanks to all of you for responding to my question.

A thorough cleaning may be the answer but if the problem persists you may want to check the disconnect. All autoloaders utilize a disconnect system in the trigger mechanism, part of the sytem requires that the trigger re-engage the trigger bar. The mechanism is located under one of the grip panels ( I don't remember which one), after the pistol is fired the trigger re-engages in the trigger bar as the trigger is released, if this does not occur, due to dirt, incorrect backlash adjustment etc., the trigger bar will not apply pressure to the sear and the pistol will not fire. Just something else to watch for.

Take care,
Steve