Model 952

[Beantracker]

This is my first posting I hope I do it right.
My 952 started to make some light hits and require a second strike to fire. Then during the next trip to the range the hammer would not stay in the cocked position after firing but only after manually cycling the slide. When releasing the slide to prepare to shoot the hammer follows the slide. I did a complete cleaning and lubrication which did not improve the function. I am using the same ammo that I have been for several years.
The only thing thing that I can think of is a bad hammer spring if the 2 issues are related.
I appreciate any help or knowledge you can provide.
Ralph

 

[armorer951]

Ralph,

You don't indicate whether you bought the gun new or used. The reason I ask is that the number of rounds fired, and previous ownership can sometimes have an impact on reliability.

The light hits on the primer could be shooting debris in the firing pin cavity in the slide. If you decide to clean this area, while you are in there, I would replace the firing pin spring with a new OEM spring, and check the firing pin closely for damage. "Closely" means use a magnifier if you have one. Don't lubricate the cavity, firing pin, or spring after cleaning, prior to install.

This of course, (light hits) could also be recoil spring related, in that light primer strikes are sometimes caused by the slide not going back fully into battery. It doesn't take much. Accuracy can also be adversely affected by a weak or damaged recoil spring.

The hammer following the slide sounds like it could be wear and tear, (or tampering if the gun was used) on the sear bevel or hammer cocking notch. Again, check these surfaces with a magnifier, particularly if you bought the gun used. The sear can be re-sharpened if you have a sear jig. The best alternative would likely be a new OEM sear, or hammer, or both, if that turns out to be the problem.

You're correct, the sear spring can also be a culprit here, particularly if it has been tampered with. Also, check the adjustment screw for the trigger. If it is not positioned properly, the pistol may not function correctly. (disconnect)

Carter

 

[RGPM1A]

If you have a trigger pull gage check the trigger pull. If its less than 2lb the sear spring is (or was adjusted) too light and/or maybe somebody cut coils off the hammer spring to lighten the trigger pull. They might have fooled with the trigger return spring too and made it too light.

As Amorer suggested above the sear/hammer engagement surfaces could be worn or damaged too.

My 2 cents