light primer strikes K-22

[ljbobdan]

can anyone tell me the cause, causes, of light primer strikes on a K-22, ser. #k85...? The problem is much worse double action, 3 out of 6, than it is single action. Have tried different ammo but the mark on the case is very light with all brands. If it needs to go to a gunsmith tell me because I certainly am not one. Thanks to all, Ron

 

[gboling]

My experience tells me to question the following; Loose strain screw, weak hammer spring and/or a shortened strain screw. A scale to weigh the trigger pull would be helpful but few of us have them. Comparing the original parts to new parts is also informative but throwing parts at the problem is rarely cost effective. I have replaced hammer springs on a hunch and proved my guess to be right. However, a good gunsmith may save you a lot of money and could turn up other possibilities. If you know no reliable gunsmiths I would call S&W.

Good luck.

 

[chief38]

In my experience you just can't tune a rimfire revolver as light as you can tune a centerfire one. It takes more of a hit to set off the primer material in a rimfire. If someone who owned the revolver prior to you made it too light, that could be your problem. Inspect the main spring and tension screw to make sure it has not been shortened too much. More than likely that is your problem.

Chief38

 

[TSQUARED]

Check to insure ghe mainspring stai screw is original length and fully ightened aon a factory standard spring. 22 revolvers are prone to misfires when one attempts to lighten the DA trigger.

 

[federali]

Agree with gboling

Most FTFs with S&W wheel guns can be traced to somebody believing that the strain screw is an action adjustment crew. As it left the factory, in double action mode, the double action trigger should be able to lift between ten and twelve pounds dead weight. If less, then either a screw adjustment or a replacement is called for.

The proper way to adjust the action of a hard-pulling double action is indeed to shorten the screw rather than to loosen it. But, without a trigger pull gauge, you're flying in the dark and have no way of knowing when you're in the permissible range. Perhaps somebody's been there before you?

 

[ljbobdan]

Thanks for the replies and ideas. Took your advice and tried something. I also have a k-38 and I took the grips off both guns and compared the strain screws. The screw on the k-22 was a hair shorter so I switched the screws between the 2 guns. Will try them both out this weekend to see if it made a difference.

 

[ljbobdan]

Good news and thanks to all that replied. After switching strain screws between the two guns they both shot perfectly. The k-22 fired in single and double action mode and the k-38 was fine with the slightly shorter strain screw. Ron

 

[chief38]

ljbobdan:

I do like to tune my target shooting guns, and most of my designated target CF Revolvers have a very light trigger pull. I leave the RF revolvers a bit heavier to insure reliability. 9 times out of 10 when guys have the same problem that you did it's because someone went too far shortening the strain screw. Glad you got it repaired, and enjoy it!

Chief38