Getting an old war horse back into action- S&W 1917 D.A 45

[Shotguncoach]

Long distance diagnosis is always sketchy, so lots of questions…

Is it always the same two chambers that have light strikes?

Have you tried different brands of ammo?

When you say that the Wilson spring fails to stay in place, what exactly is happening?

Has the strain screw been altered?

What is the gap between the cylinder and the rear face of the opening in the frame? (Proper name for that is rear gauge or headspace)

How far does the firing pin stick out when the hammer is down with the trigger held back? Put a dime next to it and take a picture for us…

 

[Randallhpd]

Long distance diagnosis is always sketchy, so lots of questions…

Is it always the same two chambers that have light strikes? Appears to be.

Have you tried different brands of ammo? Planning to do that. Winchester target 230 gr FMJ

When you say that the Wilson spring fails to stay in place, what exactly is happening? The Wilson main spring is not shaped like the factory spring where it hooks on to pull the hammer.

Has the strain screw been altered? No

What is the gap between the cylinder and the rear face of the opening in the frame? (Proper name for that is rear gauge or headspace).

How far does the firing pin stick out when the hammer is down with the trigger held back? Put a dime next to it and take a picture for us…

Long distance diagnosis is always sketchy, so lots of questions…

Is it always the same two chambers that have light strikes? Yes, seems to be but needs further evaluation.

Have you tried different brands of ammo? Two practice types of ammo one being Winchester target & practice 230 gr FMJ

When you say that the Wilson spring fails to stay in place, what exactly is happening? The shape of the hook connecting to the hammer causes it to slip off. Not an issue with the used factory main spring.

Has the strain screw been altered? No

What is the gap between the cylinder and the rear face of the opening in the frame? (Proper name for that is rear gauge or headspace) see image

How far does the firing pin stick out when the hammer is down with the trigger held back? Put a dime next to it and take a picture for us…see image