Model 34-1 misfires...

[partridge625]

Gresstings all.
I hope that I am posting this in the correct location. I own a model 34-1, 22lr. It was puchased used but in great condition. I have come to discover that it is plagued by a problem that may be common to the model/series. The gun frequently has light hits to the rim of the the cartridge or primer. They seem to occur in succession, 2-4 in a row, after the gun has successfully fired one or two rounds. When fired and missfired cartridges are examined there is clearly a difference in firing pin marks. Any ideas of what I have on my hands? is it repairable? etc... Please advise and many thanks!

 

[TACC1]

Wecome aboard! from Wisconsin. I've got a 22/32 Kit gun,
and am hoping the cure is simple, in case I run into
the same problem.
TACC1

 

[Chaosrob]

Has the strain screw backed out?

I believe you purchased this, and a coupe other pistols from me Partridge. I never fired it, so I cannot comment. it was too nice for me to shoot (or at least looked that way).

If it is not the screw, and needs smith work, let me know. I will pay for it if it is not an easy fix. I will do what needs to make it right, inlcluding repurchasing it if need be

 

[Green Frog]

Assuming it's good and clean (and well lubed) if there is no peening and no burr on the face or in the channel where the firing pin comes through, I would look first at the coil mainspring. I'm guessing somebody took a couple of coils off of it to lighten the trigger pull and got carried away. This is my guess and is probably worth what you are paying for it, but that's what I'd start checking if it were mine.

Froggie

 

[Chaosrob]

Shows what I know. I didn't even realize the 34-1 was coil. I never actually fired the thing.

 

[longaction]

I bought my Model 34-1 new in 1970. It started misfiring in double action mode after several thousand rounds went through it. I replaced the original main spring (coil spring) and problem was solved.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I've got six of those little critters and none have ever misfired. As said above I bet someone cut the main spring down. Until you can get a new spring you can shim the old one up with a spacer or a couple of small washers to give it more punch.

 

[Mickey D]

I have to ask, have you tried another brand ammo?

 

[Mike Gordon]

I have one that I bought new in 1981 and have probably put over 30,000 rounds through it and I have never had a single misfire except for poor ammo (that misfired in other guns as well.) I have also never heard of misfires in the Kit Gun. This gun has been a constant companion when I go to the range.

 

[snowman]

I bought one of those recently and it has the same problem, but not as bad. One of these days I'll open it up and see if I can find the trouble. I suspect some **** and corruption needs cleaned out of it(mine and yours both), but we'll see.

If you get yours diagnosed first, could you let me know what was found?

Thank you,
Andy

 

[notarex]

I've found that a dirty chamber will keep the rim from seating properly- this can lead to light strikes. I would scrub the chambers thoroughly and testfire, if that doesn't work replace the mainspring.

 

[TACC1]

chaosrob's response is the reason that I look here first
for firearms for sale. 'Nuff said.
TACC1

 

[Chaosrob]

chaosrob's response is the reason that I look here first
for firearms for sale. 'Nuff said.
TACC1

Thanks Tacc, but it is the only correct thing to do. I have no intention, or desire to sell something to another that does not function correctly. I sold on on the auction site, and I believe this guy purchased them (actually like 4 pistols from me). Not 100%, but the name sounds correct

 

[all5x]

Did you check the firing pin to see if the spring in it is broken. Had that problem on a Model 17 and it cured the misfires..can't hurt to check it..all5x

 

[Bat Guano]

Had an old I framed Kit Gun for a number of years that would have the occasional misfire, usually in DA. Replaced the original mainspring to no avail. No headspace or residue buildup issues, and I never did figure it out. Finally gve it to my daughter who liked the gun as a plinker/trainer. I am normally intolerant of guns that are less than 100% but with a .22 in that role I can overlook it. Just don't especially like it.

I always preferred my Model 18 to the Kit Gun anyway.

 

[M3Stuart]

I have a 34-1 as well with probably a thousand rounds through it in the year+/- I've had it.

I've not had any light strikes that I can recall. If I ever had any, they always touched off on the second try (probably from the Win xpert bulk pack which commonly has that issue) - and I've never had 2 in a row.

If it helps, my DA trigger is pretty darn heavy - as it should be.

+1 on whoever said check that the rounds are seating properly. My 34 gets gummed up pretty fast, but hasn't caused light strikes.

Good luck. They are great guns and my daughter has laid claim to mine!

 

[USBP SW]

I had a j-frame that would misfire , mostly on double action. The fix was a slightly oversize firing pin, I don't remember who made it (perhaps Cylinder and Slide). It can be installed easily enough but I recommend it be done by a gunsmith, just to be certain there is no contact with the chambers. Incidentally, you can't gauge the pin strike on a fired case, because the cartridge sets back upon firing. Also, before changing out the firing pin, make sure there is no end shake, since this would also cause a misfire problem.

Take care and let us know how it turns out.
Steve

Checked and Midway has the extended firing pin: Product number: 926136

 

[shawn mccarver]

Gresstings all.
I hope that I am posting this in the correct location. I own a model 34-1, 22lr. It was puchased used but in great condition. I have come to discover that it is plagued by a problem that may be common to the model/series. The gun frequently has light hits to the rim of the the cartridge or primer. They seem to occur in succession, 2-4 in a row, after the gun has successfully fired one or two rounds. When fired and missfired cartridges are examined there is clearly a difference in firing pin marks. Any ideas of what I have on my hands? is it repairable? etc... Please advise and many thanks!

That is not characteristic of ANY S&W. I suspect someone did a "kitchen table" trigger job by cutting a few coils off the mainspring, making it unreliable. Naturally, there could be other issues, such as excessive head space, end shake or something else, or a combination thereof resulting in a "tolerance stack up" contributing to causing primer hits to not be deep enough. I would send it to S&W for a complete look-ever. If you are not willing to do that, then replace the mainspring with a new one from S&W, IF YOU KNOW HOW. Do not try to do the job if you either don't know how or don't have the right tools, as you can turn a $10 repair into a ruined gun if you don't know how to remove the sideplate, etc.