617 DA trouble

[finishman]

I have a 617 and whehn firing DA a couple of the rounds seem to take more pressure...almost like it's sticking, to fire. dry firing is fine but with actual rounds it shows up. i cleaned it really well and seemed better for a very short time and came back.
Any ideas? Thx

 

[tfparatech]

What brand of ammo are you shooting? I use the Federal copper dipped that comes in the bulk pack in my 617 (4000+ rounds so far) with no problems. .22 lr is a dirty round. The first thing I'd try is different ammo.

 

[TNDave]

I had a Model 34 that did that. It turned out to be powder flakes under the extractor star. It only takes a couple. Next time it happens clean under the star with a toothbrush and see it that helps.

 

[finishman]

i am using the federal bulk but have tried different ammo as well. it didn't make a difference.
i cleaned it really well, removed the cylinder and scrubbed it. i think i'll drop it in the ultrasonic cleaner for half an hour and REALLY clean it well
thx.

 

[Murdock]

Check the chambers for lead or powder fouling as well. If one or two chambers resist full insertion of a cartridge, the case head siting a bit proud of the cylinder can have the effect you mention. I'd bet this turns out to be a cleaning issue of some kind.

I wouldn't dry fire a rimfire revolver much without snap caps or spent cases under the firing pin.

 

[Steve in Vermont]

Check the chambers for lead or powder fouling as well. If one or two chambers resist full insertion of a cartridge, the case head siting a bit proud of the cylinder can have the effect you mention. I'd bet this turns out to be a cleaning issue of some kind.

I wouldn't dry fire a rimfire revolver much without snap caps or spent cases under the firing pin.

Yes. Same problem/solution for my 63 and 617. To clean the chambers I put a small amount of Flitz on a patch and run it back and forth until black. Do that several times, then with a clean patch to buff. The cartridges should drop cleanly into and out of the chambers w/o sticking. If you're at the range and this happens, try carrying some Q Tips. Dab them in CLP and use them to clean the chambers and star. As to dry firing, S&W says that's a no-no with .22 revolvers. I don't do it even with spent casings inserted in the chambers.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Had the same problem with a squeeky clean 34. The solution was "none of the above". What was happening when viewed from the side was the locking bolt was sluggish and not retracting. A drop of M-PRO7 on the locking bolt cured the problem.

 

[TSQUARED]

I have had more than 10,000 rounds throug my S&W617. All I use is a bronze brush to clean the chambers. After 300 rounds you have to clean under the extractor star and the recoil shield, etc. 22RF ammo is notoriously dirty upon firing - some brands a bit more than others.