Model 36 issue (hammer reset)

[grantgvisser]

Hi I am new to the forums and trying to trouble shoot a Model 36 (i think) issue.
The Gun if cocked fired fine the first time, but does not reset the hammer far enough to fire the next shot.
It does however keep rotating the cylinder.
Video - youtube LINK
Complete Album - LINK






1) Should i crack it open and do a simple cleaning/service of the gun.
2) Should i rather engage a gunsmith for this issue?
3) Also can someone help me ID the exact model/year gun I have.

Per the ID post here is what I know (with pics)
1) Type - Hand Ejector
2) Serial - 10911
3) Caliber - 38 S&W spl.
4) Barrel Length - 1 7/8
5) Sight - Hand Ejector Fixed

Any help or suggestions would be welcome.
I have not problem opening her up and taking a look, just want to get a general feel for if it's a pain or breeze.

 

[snubbyfan]

Selection number one first. If the condition persists then it's time for selection number two.

 

[armorer951]

Dates to 1952....as snubbyfan said, could be grease, remnants of WD-40, etc. in there. It's also possible someone took a whack at the rebound spring, and shortened it too much......sounds like the trigger is not getting quite far enough forward for it to slip under the sear and pick up the hammer.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

I would crack the sideplate and go to Town.Watch a couple Youtube Videos First,It's nothing too scary.

 

[Boogsawaste]

I'm no pro but it looks like the double action sear isn't clearing the trigger on the reset. Had similar happen with an incorrectly fitted d/a sear. I stoned the front edge slightly and it didn't hang up ever again. This was on a non original hammer to the gun in a 64 I believe it was.

 

[BB57]

That's a nice baby chief special (round trigger guard).

Be careful taking it apart, use a properly fitting screw driver, and keep track of the screws so you get them back in the right holes. They are not always the same length on some S&Ws, as the one opposite the crane is shorter on some models.

A good cleaning will cure a lot of ills, and if not you'll at least be able to diagnose what's happening.

 

[chief38]

Dates to 1952....as snubbyfan said, could be grease, remnants of WD-40, etc. in there. It's also possible someone took a whack at the rebound spring, and shortened it too much......sounds like the trigger is not getting quite far enough forward for it to slip under the sear and pick up the hammer.

I agree - but might also add that something might have broken inside. I have twice seen broken rebound springs in J frames cause this same issue. Once to one of mine! If that's it, a new spring is a 2 minute repair.

Could also be something inside the gun that does not belong there. You won't know unless it is taken apart and inspected.

 

[grantgvisser]

Thank you all for the great response and good ideas.
I plan to open the side today and inspect/clean.

I'll shoot a few pics and if i see something suspect i'll report back.

Again much thanks for the feedback, i'll let you all know how it goes.

 

[H Richard]

I'd plan on ordering a rebound slide spring, my preference is a 14 lb, but the factory standard is a 17 lb (I think). Be sure and report back what you found as the problem.

 

[Boogsawaste]

One more tip...remove the main spring before working the action with the side plate off. The pins tha the trigger and hammer ride on won't be supported on both sides with the plate removed and they've been known to weaken or break when cycling the action with full power. You will have to use your thumb to act as the spring by applying light pressure to the hammer spur when trying the action. Plenty of good suggestions here, report back when you figure it out!

 

[grantgvisser]

WOW what a great piece of design. I was able to strip it down to no-moving parts and clean every inch of it.

At first it all look good and then I found the problem. The Hammer Stud has broken.



Also i looked on the other side of the gun and it's a PIN replacement (lucky).

Now to try and find the replacement part.
I believe the part number is - sku 297550
Best description of the part - Here LINK
Diagram part number 27 LINK

Problem is I can't find the part in stock anywhere.
Any suggestions where all to search.
I have checked:
Brownells LINK
Midwayusa LINK
Numrich CunPartsCorp LINK

 

[Boogsawaste]

I'm not sure if this is a DIY thing. This is beyond my scope of repair and I would have this one going back to the mother ship.

However, maybe it isn't so hard and the pros will tell you otherwise??

Either way, great job getting it all apart and figuring it out.

 

[george_lehr]

Try Smith & Wesson for a replacement part. It won't hurt to ask.
George

 

[Bill Douglas]

Good skills.

 

[grantgvisser]

I did send an email into S&W customer service and they where able to come back with in 24hrs.

They no longer stock/make the part, but was able to direct me to someone she knew who had a "used" one and was going to ship that to me, free of charge.

All I can say is WOW, what a great experience so far.
Thanks again for the support and advice. I'll update once the part gets here and I get it installed.

I did decide to approach a Gun smith for the work, since I want it done right and only have one part to do it with.
Thanks all.

 

[H Richard]

Installing it and making sure it stays in place is not a simple straight in job. See if you can find a Kunhausen S&W shop manual. or at least look for a you tube video on this. I don't recall but I believe this is a press fit part. I will tell you, I would have a gunsmith install it, and I'm pretty familiar inside a S&W action.

 

[shawn mccarver]

To have this job done properly on the first go around, save the headache and send it to my team of gunsmiths. From where you are, it will take only one day to get to them, and they will do the job right. They are located at:

2100 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA