I have an A series (I think from the 70s) S&W 41 that I bought around a year ago. I only shoot CCI standard velocity and recently have been experiencing light primer strikes, probably around 1 every 20 shots or so. I know nothing about the history of the gun, but it was very dirty when I bought it. I have since cleaned it very well and everything operates smoothly. What is the next step? Should I replace the recoil and firing pin springs?

Chris

I have one I bought used that was doing something similar. It turned out that the firing pin channel was full of trash. When I pulled the slide and pushed on the back of the firing pin, I could hear the grit in there. I didn't disassemble it, but I flushed it a lot with solvent and Aerokroil. A lot of stuff came out and it works fine now.

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Member NRA, VSSA & Cavalier R&P

Thanks, mine was gritty as well and I flushed it as well. Maybe my flushing lodged dirt in a bad place. I guess I will disassemble tonight and take a look.

Chris

Lots of times flushing won't do, especially with an older pistol.

The firing pin is pretty easy to take out. This link will help. The only place your pistol may vary is the right side on the safety. Some have a screw, some have a small pin that must be depressed while you slide the leaver forward to remove it.
http://www.*************************...sassembly.html

Edit, this site won't let me post the link. Go to the other S&W site in Gunsmithing to find the info. Here's a youtube vid of the process.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx7g2...eature=channel

I'd also replace the firing pin and recoil springs just because you don't know the round count.

Dave