Light strike question

[theprincipal]

I have a model 19 classic with an action job from S&W. At the last trip to the range, I have been getting light strikes. I believe they are from the same cylinder, as it is only 1 per 6, and I zeroed in on the when/where it was happening. I have plenty of rounds through it after the trigger work; this is a new issue. I was shooting another revolver at the same range trip, with the same ammo, and no issues. I was shooting DA.

The mainspring screw is all the way tight. The revolver was clean prior to use, but maybe a little dry. I am ready to send this gun back to the mothership for the second time.

Any thoughts or advice prior to me sending it in for warranty work? I was planning on going to range 1 more time, lubed up well, with 2 types of ammo (same as last and something different).

I am still a novice with revolver repair/tuning, so I appreciate any advice. Thanks.

 

[Sevens]

Short answer first: if you seek a fast solution that doesn't involve shipping the gun off, you could try to shim the strain screw to gain a little energy. This can be done by getting a spent large primer and picking the anvil out leaving only the cup, loosening the strain screw and placing the cup on the mainspring where the screw makes contact and then tightening the screw.

After having paid professional work on the revolver... this may very well not be the answer you really want.

Are you running factory new ammo or handloads? I'm always seeking knowledge from the pros but it seems to me that it would be awfully rare for your problem to be one single same chamber of six unless the entire cylinder is out of spec and out of round.

I'm interested to see where this goes and good luck.

 

[theprincipal]

Short answer first: if you seek a fast solution that doesn't involve shipping the gun off, you could try to shim the strain screw to gain a little energy. This can be done by getting a spent large primer and picking the anvil out leaving only the cup, loosening the strain screw and placing the cup on the mainspring where the screw makes contact and then tightening the screw.

After having paid professional work on the revolver... this may very well not be the answer you really want.

Are you running factory new ammo or handloads? I'm always seeking knowledge from the pros but it seems to me that it would be awfully rare for your problem to be one single same chamber of six unless the entire cylinder is out of spec and out of round.

I'm interested to see where this goes and good luck.

Thanks for the advice/feedback… It was factory ammo. I am not 100% sure it was all from the same chamber, but when I checked it was. I agree, that this doesn’t make too much sense. It was likely circumstance or my error. I can be sure next range trip.

 

[jimmyj]

I recently had the same issue with a 2.5" Model 19-4..
I installed a new OME factory mainspring and cured the issue.

 

[theprincipal]

Would it be recommended to install an extended firing pin to see if that solves the issue?

 

[toad67]

Would it be recommended to install an extended firing pin to see if that solves the issue?

I would work on trying to see if it's the same chamber that it's happening on first. Maybe look under the extractor star just to make sure everything looks okay.

 

[H Richard]

Have you had only the one FTF? If you haven't verified it is multiple FTF's, please do so. I recently had a FTF in a handgun I have used considerably. (9mm and a handload of mine). I pulled the bullet and there was the correct amount of powder, but no ignition compound in the primer, just bare metal. It happens, factory ammo also. When working with a class of Deputy Sheriffs several years ago one had a FTF with a 45 ACP, when we pulled the bullet, it had no flash hole in the case. It happens.

 

[WR Moore]

There's a cause of misfires that hard to detect because it's user error. If you're trying to shoot itty bitty groups or possibly hit a small/distant target in DA fire, you may not pin the trigger all the way to the rear. You feel when the hammer starts to fall and, without realizing it, relax the trigger digit slightly. The trigger moves forward just a hair and the hammer contacts it just enough while falling to rob enough energy to cause a misfire. Fatigue will do the same thing if you've been firing long strings.

Been there, done that, long ago had revolvers in my shop because the owners did that.

 

[theprincipal]

Have you had only the one FTF? If you haven't verified it is multiple FTF's, please do so. I recently had a FTF in a handgun I have used considerably. (9mm and a handload of mine). I pulled the bullet and there was the correct amount of powder, but no ignition compound in the primer, just bare metal. It happens, factory ammo also. When working with a class of Deputy Sheriffs several years ago one had a FTF with a 45 ACP, when we pulled the bullet, it had no flash hole in the case. It happens.

It was about 1 per/6 (cylinder full). I had 2 boxes of 357 and was using a different gun with the other box. No light strikes with the other firearm. To see if it was the ammo box, I used the other ammo box (same brand/type) with my S&W, and got the same results. No light strikes with my other revolver/same ammo. The cartridge fired on the second attempt every time. Normal looking dimple in the primer with the light strikes.

The firearm has less than 1000 rounds fired through it. It was sent in to the mothership once because it was spitting back particles. I had and action job done at that time too. I fired 2-3 hundred rounds through it since, until this recent issue.

I am hoping it is only in need of an extended firing pin, and I don’t need to ship it off. If that doesn’t work, I may try changing the mainspring; which should be relatively like new, due to the low round count. If those don’t work, I will probably exercise the warranty.

 

[theprincipal]

There's a cause of misfires that hard to detect because it's user error. If you're trying to shoot itty bitty groups or possibly hit a small/distant target in DA fire, you may not pin the trigger all the way to the rear. You feel when the hammer starts to fall and, without realizing it, relax the trigger digit slightly. The trigger moves forward just a hair and the hammer contacts it just enough while falling to rob enough energy to cause a misfire. Fatigue will do the same thing if you've been firing long strings.

Been there, done that, long ago had revolvers in my shop because the owners did that.

This is very possible, as I am working on my double action shooting. All of my shots were in DA. I am a relatively new revolver shooter, with only a couple of thousand rounds down range. I will make sure to pin the trigger back each time next range trip. Thanks.