Strain Screw

[mi2600]

At the range tonight, I found my newly acquired S&W Victory functioned well in single action. However, in double action it misfired about 50% of the time. The misfired primers were dimpled but not as deeply as the fired primers. When the misfires were tried in single action they fired normally.

Other than clean it, I haven't tried any fixes. I was thinking that maybe I should try and tighten the strain screw. But, I wanted ideas as to the cause of the problem.

 

[VM]

I was thinking that maybe I should try and tighten the strain screw.

Yes, the strain screw is suppose to be tightened all the way in.
Some Shooters will shorten strain and/or put a shim between the screw and main spring..........either could cause you problems as you've experienced.

 

[mi2600]

I checked the screw and found I could easily turn it at least 1/4 turn. It was then "snug". Should it be tight tight? Or is this a "tighten and test" process?

 

[powderburns]

Tight tight is right.

 

[jrd1976]

Someone may have shortened the strain screw.

You may need to replace the hammer spring.

 

[chief38]

Strain screws (even if shortened a bit) should ALWAYS be kept tight. It is easy to tell if the screw has been cut by looking at the end of the threaded part. If it is raw steel and is ground flat, it has been shortened. Replace it and your problem will most likely be solved.

Chief38

 

[ltxi]

I adjusted the hammer spring tension on my 2 1/2 inch M19-3 by backing out the strain screw and staking it with blue loctite about 15 years ago. Fired reasonably often since then and it's been fine with it. Yeah, yeah, I know, bad me. I was gonna change out the spring but just never got around to it.