Field expedient mainspring tension fix.

[Rifleman200-10X]

At the range this morning, I began experiencing intermittent misfires, single action, with my 4" 28-2. I knew of the old trick of the spent primer cup sans anvil over the tip of the strain screw. But lacking any means to extract a primer, I came up with this fix, a spent 22 case flattened with my Leatherman, and placed between the strain screw and the mainspring. No more misfires, but a new mainspring is probably in order.

 

[stansdds]

Necessity is the mother of invention.

 

[gwpercle]

Necessity truely is the Mother of Invention ....ATTABOY !!!
Gary

 

[Sevens]

I'm curious if this revolver is one you have had for years and years and only now exhibits these light strikes or if this revolver is new to you with an unknown history?

I'm just curious how often a S&W revolver mainspring "tires" or if a previous owner shortened that strain screw.

 

[Toyman]

If you look closely the business end of the strain screw looks flat, supposed to be lightly rounded I would guess it has been shortened.

 

[Rifleman200-10X]

I've had this one for several years, I bought it from the original owner, and I know he shot it quite a bit, but as far as I know, nothing has been modified, and the strain screw is rounded. I'll attribute the sudden change to a different primer, I typically use Winchester SP mag, but couldn't find a new supply, and came across some CCI. Harder cups, I'm guessing, the firing pin dents were pretty small. But the gun should still ignite any brand, a new spring, and strain screw just in case, is on the way.

 

[steelslaver]

You can get a new 8-32 screw at many ACE Hardware stores. Many of them have a small set of drawers with gun screws. Measure you current screw, add the thickness of you 22 case spacer and trim your new screw to that length with tip rounded.

Also a good place for scope mount replacement screws etc and they have a variety of heads. Another handy deal they have in this screw selection deal is a small plate with most of the various thread sized in it all clearly marked. Helps get correct screws and also functions as a holder for when you need to trim one shorter.