24-3 rattling rebound slide?

Mr.Gato

Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2016
Messages
87
Reaction score
135
Location
Vermont
Thanks in advance for any help.
Earlier this week I was dry firing my 24-3 (with snap caps) and the trigger bound up in single action- as in, when I pulled the trigger the hammer didn't fall, as i let go of the trigger the hammer kind of hung and then fell, this happened a few time, when I tried double action in worked properly but felt overly heavy. It was late so I put it away. The next day,I could hear something rattling around behind the side plate but the gun seemed to function properly though the trigger did not feel as it used to.

I pulled the side plate today and have discovered the source of the rattling. I can see the 'rebound slide'(or part of it?) sliding back and forth inside the 'rebound slide spring' as i tilt the gun.

I'm guessing thats not supposed to happen. Any help on what might have happened and how it can be remedied??

Thanks.
 
Register to hide this ad
Probably the overtravel stop inside the rebound spring. It may have been installed improperly or be binding for some reason. You can take it out to see if that solves the issue.

The hammer block can also be the source of a "rattle" inside the action. A little lubricant will usually quiet things down.
 
Last edited:
Thanks Armorer,
I can clearly see the rebound slide moving when i tilt the gun about 30 degrees up and down. I guess I will watch some YouTude videos about disassembly, I have never taken a smith apart.
 
Mr. Gato,

The answer armorer951 gave you is absolutely correct! Inside the rebound slide spring is a steel rod called the "overtravel stop". It is not part of the rebound slide but is free within the spring.

What I have never understood about people is they will ask a question, based on not understanding what they are seeing. Then, when someone with years experience gives them the correct answer they question that answer or argue! If you already knew the answer then why did you ask the question? Your response clearly reflected that you didn't believe him!

If you do take the gun apart the stop pin installs with the round end into the rebound slide, and the flat end toward the rebound slide pin. The gun functions perfectly well without the stop pin! As armorer951 also mentioned, it is much more likely the hammer block you are hearing.
 
As noted - the pin inside the spring can be heard if listening carefully... Nothing to worry about or just take it out if it bothers you. The hammer block can be heard too! Just trust the engineers that designed your revolver and all will be fine...
 
ALKa,
You clearly misunderstand my response. Until today I have never taken a side plate off. I was thankful for Armorers response. You are correct I asked a question "not understanding what I was seeing" bu I neither questioned nor argued his answer.
I thought S&W forum was a pretty friendly place.

What you are saying is that what I misunderstood as the "rebound slide" is the "overtravel stop" I clearly misread the diagram.
Thanks for your help
 
Last edited:
Mr.Gato
I think you've got it right. A little YouTube search will quickly give you what you need to know to remove and replace the rebound slide and spring. Things to look for: proper removal and installation of the side plate (carefully, by tapping on the frame and don't force it back in place), proper placement of the hammer block before reinstalling the side plate (up), and watch for flying rebound spring (consider working inside a clear plastic bag until you get the hang of it). Its not rocket surgery, just go slow and steady. Anybody can do it with a little mechanical dexterity and care.
 
On 2 of my older revolvers,a Pre Model 25 5 screw 45 Cal Model of 1955 and a 25-2 there's a pin inside the trigger rebound slide spring.

On my 1986 4" 25-5 and Model 15-6 there's no overtravel stop pin.

If the rebound slide with the spring inside is freely moving then the rebound slide stud that the spring is held in place by might have broken off and a likely repair at the mother ship?

Thread about overtravel pin.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/257830-trigger-overtravel-n-frame-only.html

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufa...026/NFrameRevolvers-38390/24-37485.htm?page=2
 
Last edited:
Back
Top