fixed striker protruding too far?

[swabbie]

I just bought a S&W top break (SN 2695XX) in 38 S&W which I reload and cast for)

While examining the pistol, I found that the striker(for lack of a better word) which is a permanent part of the hammer protrudes approx .015-.020 past the flat part of the frame(where the cylinder locks up)

The pistol seems to operate just fine in both single and DA modes and is very tight action wise

Is this protrusion excessive?

Thanks in advance for the help

 

[swabbie]

further examination

reveals that slight rearward prressure on the hammer, will withdraw the firing pin acceptably,and it will not return to the protruding position

some kind of transfer bar? gunk in the mechanism? spray clean through the trigger guard or remove the circular side plate/hammer screw and clean?

Or none of the above

 

[wiley]

Same Deal

I have one a bit older than yours at S/N 1955XX that has the same firing pin protrusion beyond the breech face, and it stays that way till the trigger is pulled again or the hammer is pulled back slightly. Seems clear that one should do that before relatching the barrel on a fresh round!
I'd hazzard to guess that one could carefully close the barrel between the rims of 2 fresh rounds for an extra feeling of security??