S&W 442, sticky trigger troubles

[FunYet]

Had my S&W 442 at the range today. After 10 or 15 rounds, I started to have trouble with the trigger not always returning to its forward position after firing. I was able to move the trigger forward manually as it just needed a bit of a push. This did not happen with every round; in fact it was fairly random. The gun was cleaned prior to the trip to the range so I can’t blame the trouble on gunk in the gun. The trouble only seems to happen when shooting live rounds. I can't replicate the malfunction with dry firing, snap-caps, or empty/spend rounds.

I'm perplexed

 

[coltjeeper]

I'm having the EXACT same problem with an old 1917 .45 ACP Smith. Exactly the way you described. :banghead:

I don't know if I fixed it or not, but I took the slide plate off and sprayed out the innards and relubed them. Hopefully this will fix the problem. If not, then its off to the gunsmith. But like you said, unless I'm shootin' it, it doesn't do it.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Has the gun had an action job or spring replacement?

If so, it's likely that the rebound slide spring isn't strong enough and needs to be changed out for another one.

It could also be a burr or something in the action, or it could be that as the gun heats up something is binding.

 

[9mmepiphany]

sounds like somthing vaguely familiar from way in the past...the vision is just clearing now...

when you say it was cleaned just before you went shooting, do you mean you completely disassembled it, including the sideplate and action parts? if not...

1. i would open it up and spray out the whole action (free first). it could be hanging up in the rebound slide, the DA sear, the bolt, etc... look for burrs and dirt buildups. try it at the range.
2. pop the rebound slide out and replace the spring (cheapest next) with a new one. while you've got it out, check the inside, and the plunger for burrs. try it at the range again.
3. take it to a gunsmith

 

[Old Fuff]

It is always dificult to determine the cause of a problem in a revolver when you can't examine it. However ....

If you haven't discovered an obvious reason make sure that the cylinder stop isn't binding, and that the cylinder stop spring isn't kinked. As the trigger rotates forward it pushes on the cylinder stop. If for some reason the stop isn't moving like it should this could cause your problem. Also be sure the sear (mounted in the hammer face) is also free and not binding. The trigger has to push it inward as it goes forward, and again if it binds the trigger will stop. Check the hand. if it's binding the trigger will stop unless you give it a little help. If none of this works you should call S&W's Customer Service and probably return the gun.