S&W 29 issue

[Dregg]

Checked out a S&W 29-2 4" at the gun shop earlier. While handling it, I noticed the revolver would do this:

Pull the trigger all the way and hold it there. Slowly release the trigger and before it is fully released, I notice the hammer comes back ever so slightly, then I feel a slight click (there's still some travel left in the trigger release). At this point, If I pull the trigger again at this point, the hammer will move forward and the cylinder will rotate.

If you pull the trigger fully, and release the trigger fully, it operates as normal.

However, if you slowly release the trigger about 90%, then pull it from that point, you can get the cylinder to rotate but the hammer never cocks. It just tilts forward.

The gun seems to lock up well and the timing seems to be on. The hammer can't be "pushed off" while cocked. The only issue is what I described above during a very slow trigger release.

I never saw this in a revolver. Dealer said the S&W had an "action job" and he really couldn't explain what I was showing him. The price of the revolver was good for a pinned and recessed piece but, I wasn't liking that "action job".

Am I missing something here ? Can someone explain what I was experiencing ?

[Alk8944]

Even operated slowly the trigger should recover completely as long as it is fully released.

What you describe is perfectly normal for a S&W revolver. What you are seeing is caused by your failure to release the trigger.

Basically what you are asking is "My revolver doesn't operate correctly if I mis-handle the controls, what's wrong with it?" The short answer is Nothing!

I guarantee someone will be along shortly who doesn't fully read your post and gives you an answer that it needs a rebound spring, new mainspring, the extractor rod is loose, tighten the strain screw, or some such inane remark. Ignore them, they haven't been repairing S&W revolvers for 50+ years.

[Dregg]

I learned something today, and that is.......you're absolutely correct.

I tried this with another S&W revolver and it did the same thing. Thanks for addressing my concern.

[Philblack]

You can do what you do because you can hear 3 clicks while resetting the trigger. Ususally, one can hear only 2 because the second and the third sound together (or very close). First click : hand. Second click : cylinder stop. Third click : hammer double action sear, which is released. If not released, you can pull the trigger but the hammer won't cock. So it is absolutely normal