325 td problem double action

[ericblo]

Hello,
Excuse me first for my bad English, i m belgian and french native.

in 2013 I bought this model and it gives me satisfaction in singles action.


SMith & Wesson MOD 325 THUNDER RANCH 45 acp

When I switched to shooting double action, I regularly had percussion misfires. The primer in each case being barely marked.
I increased spring pressure with screw preload but failed to completely solve the problem. I also tested the softer primers without significant ammélioration .
If I go directly is that the distribution of this model is rare in Europe.
This problem is common on this model it?
Do you have an obvious solution to offer me?
Today I intended this weapon in shooting bowling pins without reliable double action it is a waste to achieve a good time.
Thank you for your answer

this view is with problem in DA tag in red

this view without problem in SA

 

[photoman]

Light primer strikes are common with moon clip revolvers.

Return hammer spring tension screw to factory settings.

Aftermarket extended firing pin can help.

Use Federal primers if reloading.

 

[armorer951]

It will be hard to identify the problem without examining the gun.
You should make sure the gun is properly cleaned before firing, be sure to carefully check the area under the extractor.....clean out any debris with an old toothbrush. Check for excessive cylinder endshake.
Examine the moon clips and the ammunition/brass for damage. If you are using reloads, make sure the primers are seated properly. Try switching to a different brand of ammunition. (factory loads)
If you are unable to resolve the problem call S&W Customer Service for advice, or contact a S&W warranty station in your area. Contact info is available on the S&W website.

 

[Tanners Owner]

I second the comments on primers. I too had a problem with light primer strikes with my 625JM. Turned out to be high or proud primers in my reloads and factory reloads. Took a while to figure it out. Since then I ensure my primers are slightly "under" and haven't had a problem since.
Good luck

 

[kthom]

Several revolvers of similar vintage and manufacture have this problem. It can be cured by installing a slightly longer firing pin, which can be obtained from Smith & Wesson directly or from a couple of after market suppliers. If you call S&W and tell them the problem, they will likely be willing to ship you the longer firing pin and a new spring for it for no cost. If you are familiar with removing the sideplate on this revolver, it is an easy task to replace the firing pin. If you need help with this, you can get it here. The longer firing pin will cure the light strikes for good! Good luck with getting this fixed.

 

[Bearbait in NM]

Eric,

Welcome aboard. I too had some issues with my 625 PC. In researching, the primer would be my first concern (after tightening the strain screw).

What I found and confirmed in my research, was as has been pointed out, primers not seated so that the anvil is at the bottom of the pocket. This problem is fairly common with progressive reloaders. I see that your marked brass is S&B (2 out of 3).

S&B brass is the most problematic on my Dillon reloader. The primer pockets are tight, and they use a red sealant on the factory ammo that I have purchased here, in the US. When running my Dillon with mixed a brass, I can tell when I have a S&B in the sizing die when I reach the primer seat step. I would confirm that each primer is a couple of thousandth's below the primer pocket ledge.

It might be worth a try to also isolate your different types of moon clips to see if there is some variation here. I see two differnt types in your pictures. Mine works perfectly with Rimz and TK. The other brand I have are more sensitive to the primer seating depth.

Before changing out gun parts (something I did do), I would suggest focusing on your reloading/ammo/clips, to at least rule them out.

Craig

 

[qballwill]

If you have tried multiple brands of ammo with no luck, I would order an extended firing pin. This seemed to be a problem with some S&W models in the past few years. The piece is realtively cheap and easy to install. Cylinder and Slide make one that workds well.

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

Hello,
Excuse me first for my bad English, i m belgian and french native.

in 2013 I bought this model and it gives me satisfaction in singles action.


SMith & Wesson MOD 325 THUNDER RANCH 45 acp

Quick fix.. Knock out a spent primer from a fired case, clean out the anvil so that you end up with a cup. Back out your slave screw {screw against mainspring}, put the cup over the end of your screw and screw it back it, all the way. If you still have misfires I'd blame the deep seated primers. Hope this helps, your English is just fine.
When I switched to shooting double action, I regularly had percussion misfires. The primer in each case being barely marked.
I increased spring pressure with screw preload but failed to completely solve the problem. I also tested the softer primers without significant ammélioration .
If I go directly is that the distribution of this model is rare in Europe.
This problem is common on this model it?
Do you have an obvious solution to offer me?
Today I intended this weapon in shooting bowling pins without reliable double action it is a waste to achieve a good time.
Thank you for your answer

this view is with problem in DA tag in red

this view without problem in SA

Your English is just fine. Take the anvil out of a shot primer and turn the little cup over the end of your mainspring tension screw [slave screw]. Quick short term solution.

 

[HarrishMasher]

I have a feeling a longer firing pin will solve your problem. If you call S&W Customer Service (800) 331-0852 they will probably ship you the firing pin and spring for free. There are plenty of videos on youtube that will show you how to change the firing pin out. Let us know what happens.

 

[ericblo]

Thank you all for your responses
Yes the gun is clean.
I combined several loads of ammunition and diverse brands to exclude that the problem is not one type of ammunition. I also mixed the moon clips, I even used the small package supplied with the gun. It is the weapon that problem.
I ask today via email to SW if there is a firing pin longest in standart item.
Coming back to you as soon as sw give me information about it

just a other picture of my revolvers in 45 acp

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I increased spring pressure with screw preload but failed to completely solve the problem.

This is a misuse of the strain screw. It is intended by S&W always to be screwed all the way in. If that doesn't work, I would at least try the solution suggested by Lee's Landing Billy.

 

[HarrishMasher]

BTW, those are very nice grips on your 325. I have never seen them before.

 

[Boogsawaste]

Agreed about the strain screw. It's not made to be adjusted by loosening it. Screw it all the way back inand try it again.

 

[Crowman]

I had the same issue with my 325 PD. Sent back to S&W twice to fix several issues, one of which was light strikes on both ACP loads and Auto Rim loads. Smith & Wesson sorta fixed it...but firing pin is too short. Still have problems with some primers. Need to replace firing pin with longer one.

 

[ericblo]

or the grips they was included in the pack.

I ordered a firing pin long and spring kit adapted.
stand by to reception, it's a long way to come in europ (export / inportation / custom / registration)
thank you all for your informations