S&W Model 67-1

[mjrodney]

A friend dug out of her closet a S&W Model 67-1 revolver in stainless.

In .38 Special, two screws that I can see, bought used some 12+ years ago.

She remembers that it would misfire double action occasionally, but fire reliably when the hammer was cocked single action.

I found the trigger pull to be a bit light, so I removed the grip and tightened the hammer spring. I have not yet had an opportunity to fire the handgun since, but it feels better.

The hammer spur, contained within the hammer itself, feels a bit short, but not overly so.

It travels forward and back, like it's against a spring, but not side to side.

I'm not familiar with hammers that rely on a pinned spur to hit the primer.

Help me here.

Is this normal?

Should I recommend that she trade this handgun on a new, more modern model?

The cylinder locks up pretty well and it doesn't appear out of time.

Any comments?

 

[rcmodel]

It all sounds perfectly normal. That's the way the firing pin should work.

No doubt the loosened strain screw was causing the mis-fires.

It should be good to go now!

BTW: It is a three-screw. The other screw is under the right grip at the rear of the side-plate.


rcmodel

 

[M1 Shooter]

Sounds good to me as well. Those are good solid revolvers. I have bought a few older S&W's that had the strain screw loosened, and they would also mis-fire occasionally. That was a pretty common practice in years past to lighten the DA pull. Once I tightened the strain screw, the mis-fires stopped.

 

[SeanSw]

I love my model 67. Your problems should clear up after tightening the mainspring. New factory and aftermarket Wolf springs are available to put some oomph back into the hammer if yours is actually worn out.

S&W revolvers will function with the sideplate removed. If you have the appropriate screwdrivers and think there is a problem you may be able to witness it in action. I don't reccomend that you attempt to trade this gun for a newer version. A six shot .38 won't ever go out of style and going with a new S&W may not actually leave you with a better gun.

 

[def4pos8]

GOOD FOR YOU!

I own a Model 67 ( no suffix). I'd suggest you clean and re-lubricate the internals. After removing the screws, smack the frame with the screwdriver handle to remove sideplate and you'll see what gets the job done!

The Model 67 is a sweet package. Mine performs best with 158-grain cast SWCs over 5.2 grains of Unique.

Enjoy!

 

[SeanSw]

Mine favors 158gr ammo too. I don't reload but these do the job nicely.

 

[asknight]

Trade on a more modern revolver? There's not anything more modern than a 67-1, though everything newer is likely junk in comparison.

 

[mjrodney]

Thanks for the help, folks.

The High Road is kind of like secondary education.

Without the tuition.

 

[def4pos8]

There's always something more. . . .

Use a screwdriver that fits properly. Standard screwdrivers don't. Use a driver with hollow-ground bits. If not available locally, Brownell's or MidwayUSA.com can provide them.

Take care when installing the sideplate. Alignment of the transfer bar safety device is critical. (This is the only piece that will fall out onto your bench with the sideplate removed.) With everything aligned properly, the sideplate will install almost flush with finger pressure only. NEVER "make it fit" using the screws! It is possible to warp the sideplate.

When the sideplate installs with minor effort, you've done it right.

None of this is hard but it can feel clumsy the first time or three you do it ----and it is the key to thorough cleaning and lubrication of any S&W revolver.

 

[wcwhitey]

Nice revolver you have. All sounds normal as the others stated. The Model 67 is the stainless steel version of the Model 15 which most hold in very high regard. I will also say that it likes 158 SWC's, mine are loaded with 5.0 grains of Unique. Enjoy the fine gun. Bill