.38 Double Action Problem

[singleshot1891]

I have a .38 Double Action s/n 371XXX. The trigger does not return forward on its own after firing. I have to push it forward. What is the most common cause of this ? I have never tried to repair one of these, so any advise is appreciated. Thanks,

WB

 

[twaits]

You have a broken trigger return spring. You can find one here:

Numrich Gun Parts Corp. - The World's Largest Supplier of Firearms Parts and Accessories

Part number 34

Also, on second thought, sometimes Numrich arms doesn't have the best parts or they sometimes send the wrong thing. I would actually shoot an e-mail to Dave Chicoine first. I bet he has some in stock. His site and contact info is here:

http://www.oldwestgunsmith.com/

 

[singleshot1891]

That's kinda what I figured, but never diving into one of these before I'm a little unsure.
How is that spring removed / replaced ?

WB

 

[twaits]

That's kinda what I figured, but never diving into one of these before I'm a little unsure.
How is that spring removed / replaced ?

WB

I haven't taken one of these apart in years. If you want to attempt it yourself I would recommend getting Chicoine's book "Antique Firearms Assembly/Disassembly" He shows you step by step with really good pictures to go by. (sorry but I don't want to plagarize his book by copying the text here)
From what I remember it's really not all that hard to take one apart as long as you have the right size screwdrivers and punches.
The return spring is under the front of the triggerguard so that will have to come off to get in there.

 

[rayj101]

Assuming Numrich has a blow up diagram, it may give some vague hints on dissassembly/assembly. Nothing is ever easy with these older guys!

 

[Josh M.]

I've made trigger return springs for dozens of top-break revolvers.

But in the case of this model, I can tell you that the $10 spring form Numrich fits and works fine. - JM.

 

[twaits]

I've made trigger return springs for dozens of top-break revolvers.

But in the case of this model, I can tell you that the $10 spring form Numrich fits and works fine. - JM.

Seems like I read somewhere that you can make these springs from those big blue steel file paperclips. The ones that hold a thick pile of papers together.

 

[singleshot1891]

I received a spring from Numrich Arms. After I installed it, I was disappointed to find it did not work. After further inspection, I determined the replacement spring to be 0.035" shorter than the original.
Thus, during use the spring is allowed to slide forward under the trigger guard, and dis-engage from the trigger.
I have tried Dave Chicoine, and unfortunatley he does not have the part. Any other ideas ? Will a spring from a .32 caliber pistol work ? I'd doubt they are the same size.
Thanks.

WB

 

[twaits]

I received a spring from Numrich Arms. After I installed it, I was disappointed to find it did not work. After further inspection, I determined the replacement spring to be 0.035" shorter than the original.
Thus, during use the spring is allowed to slide forward under the trigger guard, and dis-engage from the trigger.
I have tried Dave Chicoine, and unfortunatley he does not have the part. Any other ideas ? Will a spring from a .32 caliber pistol work ? I'd doubt they are the same size.
Thanks.

WB

It sounds to me like you got a spring for a .32
Numrich is famous for sending wrong or bad parts. Someone on GB has a bunch of these for sale. I don't know if you can buy just one or not.
I will PM you the auction link.

 

[singleshot1891]

Thanks twaits. I will try this guy.

WB

 

[collinsvillejones]

Did you ever get this problem with the spring fixed?

 

[singleshot1891]

I'm waiting for (hopefully) the correct spring from the guy on GB. I looked at his auctions, and ended up ordering quite a few different parts from him for another S&W project.
So as of right now I'm still waiting on parts...

WB

 

[Josh M.]

Do you have the original broken spring?

If so, you can send it to me and I will make you a new one. - JM.

 

[singleshot1891]

Just a quick update :
I rec'd correct spring promptly from drbecker on GB today, and the revolver has been repaired and is now back in service.
Funny how the correct parts can make things run like a Swiss watch. I'm just done with Numrich Arms unless they are the absolute last resource. I've had so many wrong parts from them over the years.....

WB

 

[1891SingleShot]

Glad to hear you got it going again.