How do you troubleshoot this FTF? Where to start?

[jamesmhebert]

I took my 627 Pro to the range last night and after the first two 8-round loads, I began to experience 1-2 failures-to-fire for every load afterward.

The primers were struck with what appeared to be a good impression, but no bang. It occurred with all 3 types of ammo I had on hand - Winchester white box 38 special, Federal 357, and Remington 357. No reloads. It occurred with both single action and double action, but I cannot say how often. I think more often in double, but that's a guess.

My friend put the rounds that failed on me into his 357, and they all fired.

I've been out with the revolver perhaps a dozen times in that last year since it was purchased (it's one of the recent batch, and has the internal lock); it has never failed to fire before.

With this gun I became a new firearm owner, so I'm not sure how to go about troubleshooting it.

What would you recommend?

 

[diamonback68]

First check for gunk, unfired powder etc residue under and behind the ejector star. Junk there creates a cushion and may absorb the striker's impact.

 

[ContinentalOp]

You may also want to check the strain screw.

 

[diamonback68]

You may also want to check the strain screw.

Yup, forgot about that one.

 

[jamesmhebert]

Thank you!

I'll check around the extractor and look at the strain screw tonight.

I read that the strain screw should be in tight. I assume that if it's worked loose, that's the likely issue, and I will give it a little Loctite to help it remain in place.

Let me know if otherwise, and I'll report back too.

James

 

[Damn Yankee]

Id think about that "Loctite." Someday you might want to take that screw out.

 

[epj]

Were you using the moon clips?

 

[ContinentalOp]

Thank you!

I'll check around the extractor and look at the strain screw tonight.

I read that the strain screw should be in tight. I assume that if it's worked loose, that's the likely issue, and I will give it a little Loctite to help it remain in place.

Let me know if otherwise, and I'll report back too.

James

I would recommend against using Loctite. Just make it a part of your cleaning/inspection routine to make sure it's tight (like you do with the cylinder latch and sideplate screws, right?). If you do use Loctite, however, just use a very small drop and nothing stronger than blue.

 

[andyo5]

Chances are that your strain screw has backed out somewhat. If you have rubber grips or target stocks, you won't see this until you remove the grips.

 

[kennyb]

i too am betting on the strain screw....let us know

 

[jamesmhebert]

i too am betting on the strain screw....let us know

Remind me never to play poker with you. I think you'd have won the bet.

The strain screw "looked fine" when I took of the rubber Hogue grips, but it was able to turn nearly 3-1/2 full turns until it set! When I pulled the trigger after that, the more familiar stiff feeling in the trigger pull was there.

(As an aside, I had been doing some dry firing to smooth out the trigger, and I wonder if the "improved feeling" I sensed was actually the strain screw working its way out. I remember when shooting last night that it "really felt easier" to pull the trigger, and rather quickly. Feeling a little more humbled about it today.)

Also, to respond to a few additional questions or suggestions, this was not a session using moon clips, and although there was some "crud" under the extractor, it seemed more fluid than a buildup of solid material. This was an entirely new experience to me, so it certainly may have contributed. Thank you for the questions, they help to know where to look for possible solutions in the future.

My thanks to each of you again.

James

 

[stevieboy]

I've used blue loctite on my strain screws. It's an effective way to keep them backing out. A small quantity will hold the screw in place but the screw can be relatively easily broken loose with a screwdriver.

 

[Nightowl]

A properly tightend mainspring screw will seldom back out on its own. If you turned it in 3 1/2 turns, I can almost guarantee that all rounds will fire now. Sometimes only a half turn can mean the difference in reliability/non reliability. Have fun now!

 

[kennyb]

glad it all worked out for you!