18-4 misfires

[Boat Fun]

My new to me S&W Model 18-4 (.22) was misfiring quite a bit at the range today. It would fire the first round then not fire two or three then maybe fire again. Did not seem to be too much difference if I cocked the hammer first or not. Sometimes if I pulled the trigger fast, it would fire. Hopefully someone with more experience than me can help. Firing pin issue?

Thanks....Glenn

 

[Crazy K38]

actually it sounds like the tension screw on the mainspring backed out, check that first

 

[john323]

Could also be the ammo.What did you use?

 

[Boat Fun]

18-4

Thanks Crazy! I checked the tension screw and it was tight, almost too tight as it was bindng the mainspring against the grip screw. I backed the screw off just enough so the mainspring does not bind on the grip screw. Looks like another trip to the range to see if that helps. Thanks for the feedback.

Glenn

 

[Boat Fun]

18-4

John...I used Winchester Wildcat 22. I don't think the ammo was the problem although it could have been. The ammo did eventually fire if I kept squeezing the trigger. Might have been second or third time around but it did all fire!! Do you think it is a light strike problem?

Thanks....Glenn

 

[ken158]

Wondering if you have light indent on the cartridge rim? I also wonder why your mainspring is touching the grip screw - be sure the bottom of the mainspring is centered in frame and then tighten. I have had misfires with the Wildcat ammo and many of the bulk milk carton stuff in different guns.

 

[Sierra Hotel]

Try turning the cartridge case 180 degrees. It's usually a lack of primer in the case. Priming compound is often unevenly distributed around the rim.

 

[Boat Fun]

Misfire

Thanks Sierra...Heading to the range in about an hour. If all the above suggestions don't help then it's off to S&W for repair.

 

[Beachcomber]

Is it possible that the frame mounted firing pin has old, thickened lubricant slowing down the travel of the firing pin after it has been struck by the hammer?

I had a similar misfiring issue with a Model 63 after I had sprayed it down with WD40 and stored it for several years without firing it.

 

[Wayne M]

Sounds like, for whatever reason(s) you have a hammerspring problem. I'd replace it then try some different ammo. Federal American Eagle is far from the most expensive stuff out there and has always been 100% reliable for me. If you want to stay with Winchester try some Power Points; not as cheap as you're using but boy do they group well and no misfires.

 

[tomcatt51]

Are the chambers clean so the rounds fully chamber? If the chambers are dirty or the rim recess is dirty and the rounds don't fully chamber you'll get misfires.

 

[Boat Fun]

Model 18 misfires

Well....I sent my Model 18 to S&W as I could not solve the mis fire issue. Got it back after a fairly long wait, I believe it was about 6 weeks. Took it to the range and it now fires flawlessly. Special thanks to the technicians at S&W. Turns out it needed a new mainspring and they also replaced a small coiled spring. Fires like a champ! Cost me $40 but I was not the original owner of the gun. Well worth the money to me for a great gun!