S & W Model 19 problems

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JoeDaddy

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I have a circa 1980 model 19 K frame (I think) in .357 that has developed a problem. The issue is light hammer strikes periodically with dual action shooting. Examination of the primer reveals a hit, but light. The pistol works perfectly in single action mode, and the rounds with the light strikes all worked perfectly in single action mode.
Any ideas?
 
First check the strain screw located on the grip frame to see if it has worked loose. You can use a drop of BLUE loctight to secure it.
 
+1

In all probability, somebody backed out the strain screw on the front of the grip to make the DA trigger pull lighter.

But, the strain screw is NOT a trigger pull adjustment.
It should be tightened tight, and left that way.

Lock-Tight should not be necessary if you tighten it properly, as there is nothing going on there to cause it to loosen itself.

rc
 
Thanks guys, I will try it when I get off work tonight. Hopefully it's as simple as that. I am the original owner and I haven't tried loosening or lightening the trigger pull, and frankly I didn't know there was such a thing as a "strain screw". This is located on the frame below and behind the trigger guard?
 
Yes.
It will be under the grips on a Model 19 with factory target grips.

So you have to take the grips off to see it.

It's purpose is to pre-load the mainspring after installation.
All the pressure is off the spring when you put it in the gun with the strain screw backed out.

rc
 
I looked and I have a model 19-4 if this is of any help. I removed the grips and found a total of three screws that I could, and did tighten. Only one of these was behind the grips. All were fairly snug, and the one closest to the trigger required the most tightening, at about a half turn. I then took some primer-only loaded cases and tried to shoot them double action. They all worked well, but oddly, the primers backed out upon firing about 30 %. Overpressure? Naw, just kidding! I'm guessing that because there was no powder, the shell didn't get thrown back with the primer.
Anyways, I will try it at the range on wednesday to see how it does.
Thanks much for the help so far.
Joe
 
Uh Joe...

The screws you tightened are the side plate screws. The screw RC is talking about is located at the bottom of the grip frame on the forward face of that frame. If you grip the frame...the screw will be right under your little finger. The head of the screw will be about 1/4 inch in diameter. With the grips removed you will see the main spring as a flat piece of steel bowed down the center of the grip frame. At the bottom of that bowed piece is where you find the main spring strain screw. Tighten THAT screw fully snug till it turns no more. It will have resistance as you are bowing the main spring.

NOW...don't go all Popeye on that sunofagun and strip it out....just cinch it up good and snug.

Cheers
Mac.
 
Doooh! (smacks forehead) Found it! Yup, exactly where you described it. If it was a snake it would have been laughing his tail off at my incompetence.

Well that screw was a full two turns loose, so that ought have done something. Didn't go popeye, more like a hyped up Olive Oyl, so we'll see what that gets me come wednesday. Thanks guys, I really do appreciate your knowledge and patience.
 
Made it to the range today, and you guys nailed it! Spot on perfect diagnosis, and easy repair. You guys rock!

Thanks again for your help. It's a great pistol that I've owned since high school, and means a lot to me. It is great to have it functioning well again.

Joe
 
Nope, not one. I've never had that happen before, and it was with cases that are headstamped G F L in 357 mag. They reload fine, and don't give any issue with regular loads.
 
I then took some primer-only loaded cases
Click to expand...
Your primers backed out because there was no bullet or powder in them.
Normally, the primer backs out, the powder ignites, the case slams back into the recoil shield, and the primer is re-seated in the case.

It happens to every revolver round you will ever fire.
Except ones with no powder or bullet to slam the case back and re-seat the primer.

It is a known issue with wax bullet practice loads tying up a revolver cylinder so it won't turn.
In that case, you drill out the flash holes to 1/8" so there is no excess pressure in the primer pocket to blow the primers back.

rc
 
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