Model 64 issues

[squirrelshooter]

Not too long ago I bought a Dept. of Corrections trade in 64-5 and have really enjoyed shooting it. I have shot lots of rounds through it but it has developed a problem. I am getting intermittent light primer strikes. Probably 90% are light. I will have a cylinder run fine, and then a cylinder will give me two light primer strikes. Then I might have a cylinder with one light strike. It is very unpredictable. They are so light that they do not detonate the primer. The light strikes are visibly lighter than the others. For some reason, it is much worse with ammo that I loaded with Remington Small Pistol Primers. This ammo works fine in other sidearms. I have replaced the mainspring with a Wolf mainspring and a 15 pound rebound spring. Also, as you look at the flutes from back to front, they soot up more on the left side.

What do I need to look at fixing on this. I am not a revolver smith, but am willing to learn.

 

[murphydog]

The two easy fixes are - make sure the internals (especially powder granules from under the extractor) are clean and the mainspring strain screw on the front grip strap is tightened all the way in.

 

[gwpercle]

murphydog nailed the most common causes .
Extractor crud is a must to get out.

When shooting reloads make sure the primers are fully seated into the bottom of the pockets...otherwise you get them pesky light strikes .

When the primers aren't fully seated the strike moves the primer into the pocket and no fire .
Gary

 

[squirrelshooter]

Primers are fully seated. As I said, the ammo works in other sidearms. I believe that the extractor is clean, but will double check. I did forget to add, that I do not believe it is the strain screw. I actually had to put in a longer strain screw because of the ribbed mainspring. The only time I got it to run smoothly was when the strain screw was so tight, that I was getting the very occasional pierced primer. When I backed it out a quarter turn, the pierced primers ceased, but the light strikes returned.

 

[Bob L]

Have you tried the rounds that would not fire in a different firearm to see if they would fire?

 

[jimmyj]

install a new OME mainspring and mainspring tension screw. turn the mainspring screw in until tight and leave it tight.