442-2 failed to fire multiple times

[tschmittel]

I took my brand new no lock 442-2 to the range for the first time. Four to five times the ammunition did not go off after pulling the trigger. I fired 50 rounds. I shot 25 rounds of Sellier and Belloit wad cutters and 25 rounds of S&B 158 g . All of the rounds that did not go off were the wad cutters. After trying to strike the rounds again all but one fired. These 25 were from a box of 50. The other 25 went off no problem a week earlier in my 686. The primers were sruck but very faintly. Most of the rounds the firing pin made a deep dent in the primers, but the rounds that didn't go off had a small shallow dent. I have used this ammo numerous times before in my 686 and no problems. What do you guys think? Is there something wrong with the 442? Are these revolvers more selective of ammo? I'll try other ammo but I feel a little uneasy of this revolver now. Tell me I shouldn't of bought a Glock 26, instead.

 

[XDShooter07]

selective of ammo? not at all. You may have just been unlucky and got a weak spring. With the inconsistency in the primer strikes it has to be a weak spring. These little pocketeers have heavy springs so even if you use ammo with particularly tough primers they should still discharge it. There could have been some left-over factory gunk or something in there too that decelerated the hammer maybe. You could shoot another 50 and see what happens but if you plan to stake your life on the little booger then you just let smith take care of you; they will. You didn't want a G26, don't loose faith.

 

[johnnylaw53]

What the problem is you got one of those without the lock. Trade it in for a lock modle and you will be fine. When the manufacture began removing parts from a weapon what do you expect to happen? Sorry just trying to be fair when someone have a proble with one that have the lock those out there just blame the lock I just thougt turn about was fair play.

Be Safe

 

[Shear_stress]

Sorry just trying to be fair when someone have a proble with one that have the lock those out there just blame the lock I just thougt turn about was fair play.

Huh? What do locks and light strikes have to do with each other?

As XDShooter07 said, probably a weak main spring.

 

[Old Fuff]

First of all, the indent in the primer won't tell you anything. When the cartridge does fire the pressure forms the primer around the protruding firing pin, and when you look at it later it appears that the hammer made a harder hit then it did on those that didn't fire.

I would first see if changing to a different brand of ammunition makes any difference. I notice that all of the failurers involved one maker and kind of cartridges.

If this isn't the answer, you may have a revolver with either excessive headspace or clearence between the breech face and cartridge head. Unless someone has changed out or tampered with the original springs I highy doubt that that is what's causing a problem.

I would try some different ammunition. If the problem persists, don't speculate about it. Return the revolver to Smith & Wesson (all on their dime, including shipping both ways) and get it fixed right.

 

[david_the_greek]

Initially I was thinking maybe you had the same problem one of my friends had with my revolver. Pulling the trigger far enough that the cylinder rotated, but not far enough that the firing pin punched through and whacked the primer. Since you have a revolver thats probably not the problem, though I'd imagine its not that uncommon for those not used to the littler 442/642 and long trigger pull. Shoot smith a call or an email.

 

[kkebs]

I have a similar problem with an MP340 and had sent it back two times with the same problem of the rounds not firing each time the trigger was pulled. In addition the last time I had a fired .357 freeze the cylinder.. Sent it back to
Smith and Wesson and they are sending me a replacement. FYI, the first time they replaced the firing pin and adjusted the yoke. I would suggest you contact SW and get it repaired.

 

[tschmittel]

I'll try another box of fifty than probably send it in. Thanks.

 

[Redhawk1]

I agree with Old Fuff, and you are doing the right thing. First try different ammo, then if you get the same results, send the gun back to S&W.

I have a S&W model 442-2, but with a lock, not that it matters, but I have shot all kinds of differnt ammo and not one problem.

 

[fastbolt]

Ditto, Old Fuff's thoughts.

Try something other than S&B .38 Spl ammunition.

If the condition persists return it to S&W (call and they'll send you a free shipping tag).

If the firing pin requires replacement and/or the yoke requires adjustment (to resolve a headspace issue) it's a repair properly left to the factory technicians under S&W's warranty.

 

[Sarvisian]

I recently had the same exact issue with a new J frame (432 in my case) and after trying several brands of ammo with no luck, I called Smith and Wesson. Smith sent me out a prepaid shipping label for UPS, had the gun for about three weeks and sent it back and it now runs flawlessly. While it was frustrating buying a brand new gun and having to immediately send it in for repairs, I'm very satisfied with the way S&W handled it and the gun is great. Good luck.

 

[Dollar An Hour]

My 442-1 was having light strikes maybe 5 in 100 rounds. Sent it back to S&W who repaired excessive endshake and put the OEM hammer spring back in and it was 100% after that.

BTW, S&B ammo is known to have hard primers so that is likely part of the issue.

Good luck!

 

[umc180gr]

My 442 had the same issue with Remington UMC ammo. Could pull the trigger on live rounds, no fire. Later they fired, anyway S&W said stay away from Remington ammo (its usually good for me, except the 442). They also said I could send it back if I wanted to. Have not used UMC since and no issues.

 

[umc180gr]

One other thread on the subject

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=370741&highlight=442+fire+rounds