Trigger Hangs in Double Action.

[sw282]

My revolver Action locks up at times on double action trigger pull. I can cock it single action and this will usually make action cycle to next chamber. This is a new acquisition and my first time to the range with it. It is a used Model 19-3. THe cylinder locks up tite and and timing seems good when it does not lock up

Thanks
282

 

[John Wayne]

Your gun may have endshake problems, which is the cylinder moving forward or backward at full lockup (when the gun is cocked). Unload the gun, cock it SA, and see if you can move the cylinder back and forth.

If you can, that's your problem. As the cylinder turns, it is rubbing against the back of the barrel and creating the resistance you feel. It's not as noticable in SA because you have more leverage on the hammer. There is a bushing on the axis the cylinder rotates around that keeps it spaced far enough away from the end of the barrel to keep from rubbing...this can wear out over time, resulting in the cylinder movement mentioned above.

A gap between the barrel and cylinder of .003" is too close, unless it's a target gun. .005" is ideal, and .007" is still within spec for some manufacturers, but toward the outer limit of desirability. If the gap is too small, the gun can jam if the front of the cylinder gets too dirty from firing residue. If it's too wide, you lose velocity and the escaping gases can wear away at the top strap of the gun.

 

[rcmodel]

First thing to check is if the mainspring tension screw in the front of the grip is tight.

People like to back them out to lighten the DA pull, and that causes spring stirrup interference with the hammer. Carried to extremes, the gun won't even function at all.

Tighten the screw and see if that cures it.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

Had that problem with a S&W 625 .45 ACP revolver. The fellow I got it from had the strain screw loose as it would go without falling out. I tightened it up fully and the problem went away. Did not seem to make the trigger pull any heavier either, SA or DA.

 

[9mmepiphany]

it sounds like an end shake problem to me too...although it won't hurt anything to chack the strain screw, that usually the first thing a check when i get a new S&W.

it wasn't unusual in the K-frame .357 mags to develop endshake when fire extensively with magnum loads...it really isn't designed for that kind of use

 

[sw282]

Strain screw was maybe a turn off. Titened it down all the way but no help. Dont really know how to ck end shake

 

[9mmepiphany]

Johm Wayne explained it in post #2

i can't think of better way to explain it...sounds like its due for a trip to a pistolsmith

 

[Old Fuff]

Since you bought this as a used gun, a previous owner may have cut some coils off of the rebound slide spring or replaced it with a lighter one.

The next time the gun hangs up give the trigger a push from the back to see if it moves forward. If the trigger isn't all of the way forward before you start to pull it back again the cylinder stop won't drop down and in that case the cylinder can't revolve. When the cylinder doesn't turn the revolver locks up in the manner you described.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I had a similar problem with a S&W a while back, and the problem was that the front of the cylinder was dragging against the forcing cone because the gap was too tight with three of the chambers. This was actually the result of the yoke/crane being out of spec. I called S&W, described the problem, they said send it in, and in less than 10 days my gun was back and fully functional again... at a cost of $0 to me. I would call S&W. They are first rate at customer service, and will take care of you.

The next time your gun hangs up, hold it up to a strong light (eg, the sun) and see if you can see light between the front of the cylinder and the barrel. If you can't, I would say that is your problem.