DA trigger fails to cock hammer on m63-5

[zoridog]

I took my new .22 to the range and after about 100 rds the double action was rotating the cylinder but not pushing the hammer back. I fired some rounds single action and had no problems. After reloading, it shot all 8 rounds double action. Then the problem returned.

I brought the gun home and loaded it with snap caps. No problems with double action functioning.

Does anyone have experience with an intermittent hammer problem in double action?

 

[armorer951]

I would guess that the DA sear in the hammer is malfunctioning. It's either a bit too long (not fit properly-length and let out)) and not recovering correctly, or the sear spring (behind the sear) has been compromised by damage or shooting debris.

If you are able to remove the sideplate, a good internal cleaning may solve the problem. The less desirable alternative would be to cock the hammer (gun empty of course) and hose out the internals with Gun Scrubber or similar.

If you can, check to verify the rebound slide spring is a full length OEM spring. A cut or lighter aftermarket rebound spring can cause the trigger return to be sluggish (incomplete) and contribute to the problem or the DA sear not re-setting.

If it's under warranty, you can always send it back to S&W for an evaluation.

 

[UncleEd]

Armorer951 has the answer,
I believe.

But now I can't resist:

Oh no, the OP's .22 has developed
a malaise more commonly known
as the Python 2020 Malfunction.
It's spreading!

 

[zoridog]

Thanks for the response. It helps me understand my equipment. I don't own a decent screwdriver so I'll send it back to S&W.

I've owned S&W revolvers about 35 years. Two of them (models 10 and 442) had triggers which did not reset very reliably and a dose of oil was all that was needed. I also had a .38 Airweight that needed a replacement frame after the barrel started unscrewing itself.