.38 Double Action 4th Question

[VonFatman]

I've been looking for an inexpensive old revolver to shoot .38 S&W or 32 S&W...
I want to reload some soft loads to use at my range AND to use at a local shoot during "Jesse James Days"...felt I should try to "fit in" with the folks shooting older guns or modern reproductions.

I have handled several of these where the hammer would not cock for single action shooting. They will function in DA, but not to shoot SA.

I found a very tight "shooter" tonight for $100...I figured I could at least shoot it safely in DA.

The $100 question...is this a normal problem with these guns AND is the problem easily repaired by a decent gunsmith??

Thanks for the help!

Bob

 

[VonFatman]

I've been looking for an inexpensive old revolver to shoot .38 S&W or 32 S&W...
I want to reload some soft loads to use at my range AND to use at a local shoot during "Jesse James Days"...felt I should try to "fit in" with the folks shooting older guns or modern reproductions.

I have handled several of these where the hammer would not cock for single action shooting. They will function in DA, but not to shoot SA.

I found a very tight "shooter" tonight for $100...I figured I could at least shoot it safely in DA.

The $100 question...is this a normal problem with these guns AND is the problem easily repaired by a decent gunsmith??

Thanks for the help!

Bob

 

[cgt4570]

I have several top breaks in all 3 frame sizes and various conditions from very nice to downright ugly. None of them have experienced a loss of single action. A worn or broken sear on the hammer would cause it, but it could also just be dirty. Make sure the mainspring strain screw is screwed all the way in, too. First thing I would do is pull the sideplate off and have a look. They are pretty simple mechanisms and basic concept is the same as modern Smiths.
Chris

 

[VonFatman]

Thanks...what would I want/or not want to see inside?

Bob

 

[m-1911]

Some of these revolvers were made as DAO

 

[VonFatman]

m-1911,
How would the untrained eye know?

Thanks.
Bob

 

[deadin]

How would the untrained eye know?

Look for the absence of an exposed hammer.

AFAIK, the Safety Hammerless (New Departure, "Lemonsqueezer") were the only top breaks made as DAO.

 

[VonFatman]

No hammer. Got it!

Bob