Smith & Wesson 642 misfires

[wlg]

I have a Smith & Wesson 642 I bought 7-22-2013, from a local gun shop. I shot 50 rounds of (Target factory ammo through it on 7-28-2013 no problem, cleaned gun). Went to the range 9-30-2013 and shot (50 rounds of Target factory ammo and had 4 misfires) also shot 5 rounds of Magtech Guardian Gold 38spl +p 125 gr JHP that I carry in the gun and had 1 misfire. I don’t feel comfortable with this, what should I do?
Thanks, for your help in advance.

 

[sps282]

You didn't indicate if the 642 was new or used. If it is used the previous owner could have modified the gun in some way that could make it unreliable.

 

[shawn mccarver]

The 642 should fire any 38 Special ammo on the market, and if it won't, it MUST go back to the factory.

The amateur fix is some flavor of after market firing pin, but the issue could be much more complicated. It could be a headspace or other issue. When reliability is on the table, the only way I would feel comfortable, if at all, is if it went back to S&W and they absolutely found the problem and repaired it.

 

[JonF]

If it IS a used gun the previous owner could have
gotten rid of it for that very reason.
Either way, send it back to a good gunsmith
to get it checked out or S&W for replacement.

I have and shoot 2 642's and a 342 and they
just DO NOT fail to fire with anything I put
through them...period.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

My 642 never fails to fire. Admittedly, I only shoot American ammunition in it. Well, no, not true, Sellier & Beloit is out of the Czech Republic, yes? never had any trouble with their ammo, except that my indoor range now bans it because of the steel cores in the bullets.

Funny thing, Magtech, a Brazilian company, Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos S.A. (CBC), now owns S&B. Not sure what changes that will bring....

***GRJ***

 

[Rolling]

My 642 fires everything I feed it, re-loads, cheap discount ammo, you name it. Never had a problem.

 

[Hapworth]

A one round makes it a gun issue????

Each ammo manufacturer has failure rate goal, it varies per manufacturer. NO manufacturer claims 100% reliability.

No offense to anyone, but one failure does not make the conclusion it must be the gun reasonable or logical. Odds are it's a gun issue, but you can't conclude that based on one failure. Buy a couple of boxes of 50 round generic American ammo and fire it till you either have zero failures or another failure. Then you'll have a clear direction to go with the issue.

OP states five misfires; four out of a box of 50 plinkers, and one from a cylinder full of defense rounds, all in one session.

The piece needs warranty inspection and likely work bfore it is relied upon again for self defense.

 

[S&W45Colt]

OP states five misfires; four out of a box of 50 plinkers, and one from a cylinder full of defense rounds, all in one session.

The piece needs warranty inspection and likely work bfore it is relied upon again for self defense.

Apparently, my reading comprehension stinks today. After reading your post, I reread his post. I agree after 4 misfires, I'd send it in too.

My apologies to all, I wish I could claim I was drunk, but I don't drink..........

 

[snubbyfan]

If it's new, send it in. If it's used, give it a good detail cleaning then try it again. Are they light strikes? Is the timing correct? How's the lockup? Last revolver I had that was having misfires was from a weak cylinder stop spring.

 

[RichCapeCod]

wlg: Were the primers struck? In other words, were there indentations in the primers which indicated the firing pin actually struck them? Did the rounds which did not fire discharge after another strike with the firing pin?

If there were indications that the primers were struck, were the strikes in the middle of the primer and were they as deep as a comparable spent round's primer?

If the strikes were off center or shallow, the firearm needs repair. If the strikes were deep and centered on the primer there is some problem with the ammo.

Rich

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Good advice thus far, but whether it was new or used, my first stop would be back to the LGS where I bought it and see what the seller says and wants to do to remedy the situation. His/her response would dictate if they ever got any of my future business. Please let us know what happens.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[kaaskop49]

pre-owned?

If the 642 is pre-owned, I promise not to write anything about 'gunsmith' or 'kitchen table.' Go Snubbyfan!

 

[Edmo]

Like others said, send it back to S&W... Let them sort out the (read: Their) problem.
Edmo

 

[wlg]

I sent e-mail to S&W telling them about my problem. I guess I will see what they want me to do.

 

[wlg]

If it's new, send it in. If it's used, give it a good detail cleaning then try it again. Are they light strikes? Is the timing correct? How's the lockup? Last revolver I had that was having misfires was from a weak cylinder stop spring.

I looked and saw no marks. I put all five in gun at the end of firing session and it fired them all. I did bring it home and cleaned it. Will S&W fix it if it is used?

 

[bonjorno2]

^^ yes if it hasn't been messed with

 

[BillBingham2]

642 is a shrouded hammer, nothing exposed. You should try and get the history from the previous owner. If it came from a LGS, see what they will do to help. Perhaps someone tried to smooth out the pull and messed up the power she strikes with. I'm not a smith and I did not stay at a HI Express least night.

Once you have done your research on the gun you need to find the best smith in your area for J Frames. All your local sheriffs office, your local police department and see who they use. Ask LEOs who they send their guns to. Find someone that you trust based upon reputation not price.

I'm not sure if there is that much difference between all the different frames but my guess is the odds are you need someone with a bit of grey hair.

Don't get nasty to the LGS who sold it. See if worst case they will split the cost of getting it fixed with you.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.