S&W 586 not hitting the primer hard enough

[cobo]

I had this problem before and tightened the main spring screw
with good results .Now the problem has come back and i am
looking for ideas any help would be great.

 

[jepp2]

If they fire on the second hit, it usually means you aren't seating them deep enough. Just another potential.

 

[dennisn]

Call or e-mail S & W. They will take care of it. I have one there with the same problem.

Good luck,

Dennis N

 

[Gunhacker]

Pretty good chance the main spring is fatigued and needs replacement, you were able to compensate once by tightening down the strain screw, but now the spring is too weak and has nothing else to give.

If S&W doesn't send a prepaid shipping tag for you to send it in, it's not cheap to send one yourself and you'd be better off first buying a spring and replacing it yourself.

 

[BlueOvalBandit]

Is the strain screw backing out? If yes a dab of blue loctite or clear nail polish will stop it. If not you can actually bend the main spring to give it more oomph. How old is this gun(round count wise)? cause I think I've got 15,000+ cycles on my bent mainspring (bent to lighten) with no fatigue loses, YMMV due to manufacturing differences. Springs generally fail due to cycling and leaf type springs will develop fatigue cracks.

 

[chief38]

Also, check to make sure the strain screw has NOT been cut or ground down. If it has been, replace it.

 

[Engine49guy]

Your post is vague with little details,

What is the 586 dash revision ?
Is it a no dash? if so does it have the letter "M" stamped by the serial in the crane?
Did you loosen the main spring to begin with ?

Is it factory ammo or reloads ? Have you tried different ammo?
What is the condition of the gun, age etc?

 

[kudzu3]

Chief38s advise is right on. You may also want to check the spring for any sign of grinding on the sides (narrowing) of the spring, as was once a popular way to lighten trigger pull. In any case, you probably should replace the spring.

 

[bgrafsr]

Check the headspace. From the rear of the cylinder to the recoil shield it should be between .060" to.068", but it would be better if it was closer to .060". Is there end shake on the cylinder? Check the headspace at the top of the cylinder/recoil shield area, over the hammer nose bushing.

 

[USBP SW]

While you're waiting for the new mainspring, you can always place a spent primer cup over the end of the strain screw to add a little to the mainspring tension. I would also check the strain screw, since people often ground them for a reduced pull.

Take care,
Steve

 

[cobo]

thanks guys

tried the primer cap trick and everything works great
new spring and screw on order