S&W model 61-3 problems

[twaits]

So I recently bought a fairly clean S&W 61-3 .22 auto and I can't get through a magazine without a misfire or jam. I know these can be ammo finicky and the only ammo I have tried so far is Federal Game Shok 40 grain. But it appears most of the problem is light strikes on the rims.
The recoil spring was kind of weak so I replaced it with a Wolff extra power spring thinking maybe it wasn't going all the way into battery. But the new spring didn't help at all. It also came with a firing pin spring but I think replacing the firing pin spring with a fresh spring will make the problem even worse. Is it a worn out hammer spring? It really feels like the hammer has plenty of tension to me.
Anyone have any insights? Thank you!

 

[bigggbbruce]

I would try another type of ammo. 36gr with a different bullet profile.

You don't explain the jam. But it's possible the 40gr doesn't fully seat in the chamber and the light strike is caused when it pushes the round in the chamber instead of crushing the rim and igniting.

 

[twaits]

I would try another type of ammo. 36gr with a different bullet profile.

You don't explain the jam. But it's possible the 40gr doesn't fully seat in the chamber and the light strike is caused when it pushes the round in the chamber instead of crushing the rim and igniting.

Thanks for the tip. I didn't think of that. I will try to get ahold of some different stuff. I've heard people have had good luck with CCI mini mags and stingers. It still just seems a little hard to find 22lr even at WalMart, but I haven't checked them for a few months.

 

[twaits]

Well I'm going to give these a try. I was pleasantly surprised that Wal-Mart had a ton of 22lr ammo on the shelves.

 

[twaits]

Good news! 10 rounds of CCI mini mags and 10 rounds of Stingers functioned just fine. One failure to eject with the first round of mini mag but I think I may have been holding the gun too loosely. I tightened my grip for the rest of the shots and it went bang every time with no issues! Now I just need to go buy a drawer roller and buy an old Checker taxi cab!

 

[jimmyj]

In the distance past I owned a couple of Model 61s (late 1960-1970).
Both were very finicky/fusses about ammo.
IIRC (?) I used Remington Hi-Speed .22LR with a solid bullet. HPs the Model 61s did not like.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Good news! 10 rounds of CCI mini mags and 10 rounds of Stingers functioned just fine.

I owned a couple of Model 61s (late 1960-1970).
Both were very finicky/fusses about ammo.

Glad you found some ammo the gun likes.

I've never owned one but heard they are finicky as many small pocket 22 semi's can be.

 

[chief38]

Glad you sort of solved the issue. You are correct in stating that this model is finicky - they are VERY finicky! Most of the time if CCI Rimfire ammo won't solve a feeding or reliability issue in a .22 Rimfire, then you have a real problem. I find CCI rimfire ammo to be the best there is in rimfire ammo for both reliability and accuracy.

Your Auto is a neat little .22 and part of the history of the S&W Company but I would hate to see you actually rely on it for SD.

 

[twaits]

Glad you sort of solved the issue. You are correct in stating that this model is finicky - they are VERY finicky! Most of the time if CCI Rimfire ammo won't solve a feeding or reliability issue in a .22 Rimfire, then you have a real problem. I find CCI rimfire ammo to be the best there is in rimfire ammo for both reliability and accuracy.

Your Auto is a neat little .22 and part of the history of the S&W Company but I would hate to see you actually rely on it for SD.

No never. 5 rounds of 22LR? Only better than nothing at all. This is my new carry gun. 7+1 rounds of 9mm in a package not a whole lot bigger

 

[iPac]

I like that little Bond Arms you been showing off. Would love to give one a try sometime.