Thank you Sir,
*When you say you tightened the mainspring that presumes it was loose - was that deliberate or just happened?*
I bought the gun used, I checked on the internet for a possible fix that's why I tightened the main spring, trigger pull did not seem to light-- after I tightened it it was harder but not unduly heavy
*Any gunk where the firing pin & hammer hit the frame? Under the extractor?*
No looks clean will check again
*Check to see that the strain screw hasn't been shortened or the mainspring thinned on either side. Or replaced with an aftermarket lighter one.*
Very good advice will take the gun to a gun smith friend of mine later this week have him check this out, watch him and try to learn
*FWIW, little trick I've used is to put an expended primer (with anvil popped out) atop the strain screw, if it's been modified. Gives a bit more length to the strain screw. An OK short term fix. Used it on an old Model 58 I just bought wherein someone had shortened the strain screw to such an extent the mainspring was a bit flat and put some resistance on the hammer cocking in SA mode.*
More good advice never heard of modifying strain screws, I can't fix squat can only break things working on correcting that in my old age.
*FYI, Smiths evidently now use different strain screws for round butt or older square butt.*
Ditto more good info and advice thanks!
Addendum- I took the grips off this morning 12/7/20 and tightened the strain screw again- maxed it out, then off to the range to test fire, I figured I would shoot three cylinders worth at a steel pop up target and see how many misfires I got. I got none- wow happy camper! Put up a target and shot the left over 32 rds at paper at 12 yards. The gun is very accurate, I'm not a good shot but this .44 will sure put them on target- if I do the work.
Main spring and strain screw looked original, no gunk on firing pin under extractors etc.. The grips are not original though, they are eagle S&W repros. Did not notice that before.
Will go out to the range and back off the screw a bit- fire another box of shells and check if I can lighten up the trigger pull a bit- its not bad- little lighter would be good though.
