642 Problem

[Papa Larry]

Has anyone had failure to fire with their 642-1? I've had it to the range three time with different brands of ammo all 158 grain but the problem persists. I'll get three out of five rounds misfiring but the primers are dimpled. There is no internal lock on it.

 

[Jgrub75]

Does it happen in the same cylinders each time?

 

[Papa Larry]

I'm pretty sure it's the same cylinders.

 

[Florida J Frame]

Smith had some problems with short firing pins on some J frames. You can probably search the forum and find that thread. The factory should take care of it for you.

 

[Papa Larry]

Thanks, I'll give them a call.

 

[shawn mccarver]

The revolver needs to go back to S&W. It sounds simple to say replace firing pin with one that has a longer channel allowing a few thousandths more forward travel, but it could be a headspacing or end shake issue. Best to let the factory diagnose the problem. Send it to the performance center and ask them to go over it and to install their PC firing pin. Yes, there is such a thing, but you have to ask.

 

[wheelinthesky]

I've had this happen fairly recently with my 442.

Showed the R.O. three of the Magtech 158gr cartridges, dimpled where the firing pin struck them.

He thought it was a bad box of Magtech ammo.

Fairly new pistol, and the previous 100 rounds (from a previous range session) were Remington 130 grain, and 4 Speer GD 135 grain +p; all of which ran through w/o a problem.

So.... perhaps it's the same issue as above, not Magtech..??

 

[Papa Larry]

Thanks Shawn for the suggestion on the PC firing pin. If you don't ask you don't get.