S&W 438 Problem

[Sapper771]

I purchased a S&W 438 revolver two days ago. The DA trigger pull was initially heavy and smooth. Now I have noticed that the DA trigger feels like it is sticking at the begining the DA trigger travel. I would estimate that it takes around 16 pounds of pressure to overcome the sticking, then the trigger and hammer do their normal actions. I don't know if I would classify this as trigger stacking because it feels like the trigger is just stuck in place til you can overcome it.

Sorry about the rough explanation, I am new to revolvers, and do not know how else to describe it.

I have only fired about 20-30 rounds through it so far. Has anyone experienced this before ? Is it a timing issue ?

Thanks in Advance.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Sometimes there is some "stuff" left in the works from the factory. It doesn't happen often but it happens. I suggest removing the side plate (do not pry it off) and make sure there isn't any dirt/leftover metal in the works and then lube the works. That should help the action. Then buy a set of snapcaps and fire the revolver 500 or so times...

 

[Sapper771]

ArchAngel,

Would removing the side plate void the warranty ? I have been looking at the manual and it states to only follow the field stripping instructions in the manual, but there are no field stripping instructions in the manual.

I am calling S&W today to see what they say about it. Hopefully it is something minor.

 

[Sapper771]

I went and got the 438 out of the safe today and was about to call S&W. I did a few dry fires and the trigger is no longer sticking. I have no idea what would cause it to stick, then , somehow, it is no longer doing it. There must be elves in my safe.

I am going to take it out and run some more rounds through it on my days off, then go from there.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

That makes me feel even more now that there's probably a stray piece of metal inside the works. No, removing the side plate will not void your warranty. I highly recommend you clean and lube inside the works of any new revolver you buy.

 

[Old Fuff]

Removing the sideplate won't void the warrantee, but to do it correctly you have to know how, and also have the correct screwdriver. If one has never done any work on a S&W (or any other brand) revolver and lacks the experience, knowledge and tools; it's far better to go to a gunsmith, or the factory if someone locally isn't available.

Occasionally I get a revolver which for whatever reason I don't want to disassemble. In such cases I remove the stocks, put the rest in a meatloaf pan and submerge it in a bath of Marvel Oil (available at automobile service and big-box stores). After about a half hour I remove the gun, blow out the excessive oil with compressed air (or just let it drain), wipe of the exterior, bore and chambers, and pour the remaining oil back into the original container.

Anybody can do this, no special tools or expertise is required. and you won't void any warrantee.

Oh, and sometimes it works wonders when it comes to freeing up a sticky action.

 

[Sapper771]

I took the 438 out again today and ran another 40 rounds through it. The trigger did not stick at all. When I got home , I dry fired it a few more times and the trigger began sticking again.

I decided to take the side plate off and look at the guts. I found the culprit. It was two parts that were rubbing together. I lubed them and the trigger was immediately back to normal. That side plate is a PITA. LOL

Thanks for the help guys.