S&W m19-3 misfires

[Strab]

Okay - round 2 (thanks for all the previous advice).

Took the old m19-3 to the range last night, and it shoots great; however, it may have a minor problem.

I out about 150 rounds through it. It had 3 misfires, all of which occured firing DA. I shot about 100 rounds SA, and 50 DA, and all three misfires happened when I was pulling DA.

Could this be a new spring that is needed?

Any other thoughts?

 

[Jim Watson]

Is the strain screw all the way in? If not, tighten it.
If so has the tip been ground shorter? If so, replace it.

Has the spring been ground thinner or narrower? If so, replace it.

 

[Majic]

Check the strain screw and consider the ammo.

 

[g56]

If you got this pistol used, there is a good possibility that someone seeking a lighter trigger pull screwed up the strain screw on the front of the grip, that is absolutely not recommended as it can cause the problem you are having. Make sure it's tight, and you might need to make sure someone hasn't shortened the screw, if they have it needs to be replaced.

 

[Old Fuff]

First of course there is the obvious - the mainspring strain screw has backed out or been shortened. Then the mainspring may have been altered, or replaced with an aftermarket one that's lighter. But if these are not the cause you may have to dig deeper.

You might have a condition called "end-shake," where the cylinder can be moved back & forth. Check to see if you can move the cylinder this way, and if so measure the cylinder/barrel gap while holding the cylinder forward (almost) against the barrel.

While it's unlikely, the end of the hammer nose (firing pin) may be chipped or broken.

If you check, and don't find anything, I would replace both the mainspring and strain screw witn new S&W stock parts. This may make the action heavier, but at least it should be reliable.

One last thing. Check the gun with factory ammunition. Sometimes handloads don't have the primer fully seated in the pocket. You can find out by placing the cartridges base down on a hard, flat surface (such as glass) and see if they rock or wiggle.

 

[Strab]

thank you all

for the sound advice!

I think it is the main spring strain screw. I seem to recall seeing it sticking out of the front strap when I took the grips off (out of curiosity - this is my first S&W). I'll check it again tonight.

As far as end-shake goes - I'm confident that's not it. I did the multi-part revolver check found online and the gun is very tight in all aspects.

I am thinking about buying a new spring set and hammer and putting them on just in case anyway.

The pull, in both SA and DA seemed much lighter that my Dad's 686 (circa 1984).

thanks again

 

[HSMITH]

Strab, lots of guys and gals out there refuse to learn to shoot. Instead they put 'spring kits' in their revolvers attempting to shoot better. If the strain screw is tight order up some factory weight springs and install them. It will go bang every time on time with factory springs and a tight strain screw.

 

[oldtrooper]

Strab

All the adivce you have received is good. If the strain screw is sticking out that is most likely the cause. When you are shooting, reloads especially, and you get a misfire try the same round again. If it fires on the second strike it almost certain that the primer was not seated to the bottom of the primer pocket. The first strike completes seating the primer and the second strike fires the primer.