is this the correct tension screw?

lagavulin62 · #1 01-02-2010, 05:40 PM

early in december I posted about a model 65-5 in 3 inch I purchased at a local pawn shop. today I shot it for the first time and it really shoots good. what I noticed though was that the tension screw is not flush with the front grip strap. the gun shoots fine in both double/single action and had no light strikes or anything that would make me question whether it's the right tightness but I just don't have any screws on my other guns that are not flush. it's not really a problem for shooting, but I noticed it with the recoil for 357 158 grain. could this be a replacement screw? I don't know how you lose a screw like this but I have not been shooting for ages either. these pictures are not the best but hopefully they will give you an idea. I asked the guys in the store but they had no idea. thanks for any input you can give.

lagavulin62 · #2 01-02-2010, 05:43 PM

sorry I guess you need these.

cptdco · #3 01-02-2010, 06:14 PM

The main spring tension screw is designed to be seated all the way in.
Some people will back it out to ease spring tension and thereby reduce double-action trigger pull. That looks to be backed out pretty far in the pictures. Have you tried simply tightening it?

cptdco · #4 01-02-2010, 06:15 PM

AND: Those 3 inch K frames are a hot item these days so while you're posting pictures you can post a picture or two of the rest of the gun!

lagavulin62 · #5 01-02-2010, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cptdco

AND: Those 3 inch K frames are a hot item these days so while you're posting pictures you can post a picture or two of the rest of the gun!

not a problem. here are a few from the original thread. taken with the phone camera, sorry about that. the rubber grips were on it at the store.

before I try to tighten the screw is there such a thing a tightening too much? should I just tighten until it becomes flush, if possible? I doubt I can ruin anything but just want to make sure before I start to tinker with it.

wheelgun610 · #6 01-02-2010, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lagavulin62

....is there such a thing a tightening too much?

There's really not much danger of over-tightening the strain screw - as long as it's the correct screw for the gun. If the trigger pull becomes too heavy as the screw gets tighter, the gun could possibly have a screw for a square butt revolver - which are necessarily longer than the screws used on round butt guns.

Mark

murphydog · #7 01-02-2010, 07:46 PM

No, you won't damage anything by tightening this screw. Make it snug and it should be flush and good to go.

danski · #8 01-02-2010, 08:09 PM

Just picked up a 64-5 and it has the same "protruding" tension screw.

Yours is a round butt and mine is a square butt, 4-inch barreled.

I've just had it apart and on reassembly, the screw head still protrudes.

As long at it works, I wouldn't give it another thought.

H Richard · #9 01-02-2010, 08:43 PM

I would call S&W and ask for the "correct length" of the tension screw for this model, and then order one to replace the one that is eating your hand.

lagavulin62 · #10 01-02-2010, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danski

Just picked up a 64-5 and it has the same "protruding" tension screw.

Yours is a round butt and mine is a square butt, 4-inch barreled.

I've just had it apart and on reassembly, the screw head still protrudes.

As long at it works, I wouldn't give it another thought.

well that makes me feel better knowing I'm not the only one with an "oddball". I think it's more curiousity than anything why I even care. the guns works just fine. ... but I went back and took the grip off and this screw is as tight as it's going to get. the spring can't go back any further. maybe on the newer guns they didn't countersink those screw holes? I now notice that the sideplate screws that you can see are not totally flush either. funny how you start noticing these little details the longer you look at your guns....... I'll stop staring at my 27-2 before I find something I feel is wrong with it!

lagavulin62 · #11 01-02-2010, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H Richard

I would call S&W and ask for the "correct length" of the tension screw for this model, and then order one to replace the one that is eating your hand.

I was thinking of that but wasn't sure if they would still have any for that model. guess it never hurts to try?

Nightowl · #12 01-03-2010, 07:10 PM

Its not unusual for the main spring strain screw to stand a little proud. Should not be a problem. The critical issue is whether it is screwed all the way in and produces enough tension to the mainspring screw to ignite all the primers.

ken158 · #13 01-03-2010, 07:38 PM

There is a chance the previous owner was messing with it and filed it too short and replaced it with what he could find. The screw is suppose to be tight. Any loosening will allow it to vibrate loose even more which can cause light indent on primers.

Class III · #14 01-03-2010, 07:40 PM

From looking at your picture (007.jpg) it almost looks as if the screw is cross threaded. Back the screw out and see if it was cross threaded. If it was cross threaded you may be able to clean up the female threads with a tap of correct size and pitch and replace the old cross threaded screw with a new strain screw

Class III

ImprovedModel56Fan · #15 01-03-2010, 07:44 PM

Dollars to doughnuts that Nightowl gave you exactly the right answer.