Well that is a mystery if the owner's memory is correct. Because you'd expect to find a 'smoki'n gun' like a broken part if the problem just started.

That was a good thought, I would have done the same, swap in a spring that I knew worked well.

I've become convinced a rim fire is harder to discharge then most center fire primers and especially .22 WRMs.

I'll have to check part numbers on rim fire mainsprings vs. center fire springs.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819