Rebound slide and hammer problems

ifga16

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My 1955 38 M&P is malfunctioning. The rebound slide will jam in the hammer mechanism. I uploaded a photo to illustrate the problem. When I fire the gun, the slide won't let go of the hammer.
 

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First of all, you shouldn't have the mainspring under full tension with the sideplate off. This puts undo stress on the hammer stud because it lacks the support of the sideplate.

Have you checked the position and integrity of the trigger lever inside the trigger? Is it still pinned properly in place? Is the lever bent?

The tip of the lever should be crowned or rounded so that it will cam properly inside the cavity in the rebound slide. I would also check for debris inside the lever cavity. (right below the alignment tab that sticks out of the front of the rebound) Take the hammer out and see if the rebound slide and trigger cycle properly without the hammer in place.

Your other post you stated the rebound spring had been altered. If the rebound spring has been cut (shortened), the new spring you ordered should fix the issue.
 
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The rebound spring housing should not raise up in that manner, it should remain in contact with the base of the frame. It is installed incorrectly. The mainspring needs to be removed, then remove the rebound slide and check the spring inside, is it correct and full length? With a correct spring installed re-install the rebound slide to connect up to the hammer push rod into the proper recess in the rebound spring and flush with the base of the frame. Re-install the hammer mainspring. Do not cycle the action with the mainspring installed and the side plate off.

(Are you sure this is the correct size rebound slide? Is it possibly a J frame slide?)
 
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The gun locks the same way with the side plate on and loaded with inert ammo as well as live rounds. The trigger lever moves easily but I'm not sure how much the thing should swing when operating the action.
 
Let the pros handle it

Found the problem. The rebound slide was hanging up on the hammer. I removed the burr that had formed and now it works quite well. I took it to the range to check it but they were out of that caliber. I finally got to the range and put ordinance on target. Double action works fine but still hangs on single action. It's now with a professional who quoted me 90.00+parts to put it right.
 
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I took the pistol to a gunsmith in Wisconsin. He put in a new trigger and hammer plus the the rebound spring. One hundred rounds later without a glitch. Parts and labor were 217.00, well worth it.
 

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