S&W 617 failure to fire.

[halfmoonclip]

i actually am planning on trying a hammer spring taken from my m29 in my 617 next range trip to see how it goes. after replacing the rebound slide spring with 11 or 12 lbs(?) it is still heavier than my centerfire smiths. not a big deal though. the m17, granted, it's an old gun has a lighter pull after the same rebound slide spring replacement.

Generally, I can get by with an 11 or 12lb rebound slide spring, though that 651 required a 14 or 15 to push the rebound slide under the hammer. I did a buddy's Smith .22, and it really wants a little heavier rebound spring...if you eaasssseeee the trigger forward, sometimes it will hang up.
Since you aren't going to war with it, certainly try the old mainspring...or simply order some parts, a ribbed mainspring, for instance, rather than cannibalizing another gun.
Moon

 

[roval]

Generally, I can get by with an 11 or 12lb rebound slide spring, though that 651 required a 14 or 15 to push the rebound slide under the hammer. I did a buddy's Smith .22, and it really wants a little heavier rebound spring...if you eaasssseeee the trigger forward, sometimes it will hang up.
Since you aren't going to war with it, certainly try the old mainspring...or simply order some parts, a ribbed mainspring, for instance, rather than cannibalizing another gun.
Moon

i think my 617s is oversprung(?). i had light primer strikes when new which is now fixed. they didn't mention how they fixed it. i want to see how a regular hammer spring will do. the m29 is currently using a reduced power ribbes wolff spring.

 

[halfmoonclip]

i think my 617s is oversprung(?). i had light primer strikes when new which is now fixed. they didn't mention how they fixed it. i want to see how a regular hammer spring will do. the m29 is currently using a reduced power ribbes wolff spring.

Your point is well taken, and there's no harm swapping out the mainsprings. A replacement spring would save you taking apart two guns, and the springs aren't expensive. But yeah, Smith tends to go heavy on mainsprings in their .22s...maybe too many were coming back for misfires?
Moon

 

[EDNY]

I'm new here but wanted to pass on a fix I discovered for the 617. I posted the information on my (RustyBowtie) car forum, and it works for me.

S&W Model 617 (22 rimfire) fail to fire fix

S&W Model 617 (22 rimfire) fail to fire fix

rustybowtie.com

 

[Tilos]

I'm new here but wanted to pass on a fix I discovered for the 617. I posted the information on my (RustyBowtie) car forum, and it works for me.

S&W Model 617 (22 rimfire) fail to fire fix

S&W Model 617 (22 rimfire) fail to fire fix

rustybowtie.com

An awesome 1st post...

Here's that extended firing pin at Midway:

Power Custom Extra Length Internal Firing Pin J, K, L N-Frame

The Power Custom Extra Length Internal Firing Pin helps eliminate misfires. Fits new style S&W J, K, L and N frame revolvers. Requires fitting by a...

www.midwayusa.com

.

 

[EDNY]

Thanks Guys...what I found out it's not really the length of the firing pin or the force that it hits the cartridge with but where it hits.

It's important to "initially" strike the case base inside the perimeter AKA "the soft spot".

 

[Kingcreek]

Sorry to read all this. a 617 has been at the top of my wish list.

 

[EDNY]

Sorry to read all this. a 617 has been at the top of my wish list.

I have both 4" and 6" 617 revolvers, just love the way the 4" looks and feels. Planning on using the 6" at the Bianchi Cup this May (rimfire side event). Was calibrating my metal plate rack today and didn't have one misfire all day with the 6". Don't give up..I feel help is on the way.