Light DA strikes in a 586

[ChiefTJS]

Hi all,
I just traded into a S&W 586 from the late 80's and I've had it to the range twice now with a light strike issue.

First trip I got 4 light strikes out of 50 rounds, all in double action, all rounds fired on second try.

Second trip after a good cleaning I got about two out of each cylinder full. Again, all double action and all fired on second try.

I figured maybe the fellow had loosened the strain screw to lighten the trigger, so I tried to tighten it. All I had was a cheap range screwdriver so I didn't want to crank on it but I couldn't get it to budge either way. I'm assuming loctite in it.

Anyhow, my next thought is to try a new mainspring. Am I on the right track?

[robl]

he may have shortened the strain screw as well. you might ably a little heat loosen it and see if it is the correct length.

[dmize]

Sounds like a single action trigger job gone bad to me. I would guess its the mainspring.

[subsonic]

If the strain screw is the right length and turned in pretty far, check the hammer for dragging in or on the frame as it falls and verify that the firing pin protrudes from the recoil sheild the proper amount. It could be that you need a new mainspring also.

That's the way I would approach it.

[serialsolver]

I had a old model 19 that did that. I ordered a new main spring and strain screw. There are some old school ways to lighten the trigger pull on the smiths. Back out the strain screw, shorten it and grind down the sides of the main spring. Replacing those parts will correct those methods unless you have parts rubbing during the hammers fall.

[ChiefTJS]

Well, I got the strain screw out with a little help from the wifes hair dryer. It did have a bunch of Loc-Tite in it and it certainly looks like it has been ground or filed upon. The mainspring itself doesn't show any evidence of being messed with though.

I'm going to order a new strain screw and mainspring and see what happens. Cheap fix if that's the problem. Once it fires reliably in DA, I'll be a happy camper, it's a very accurate gun.

Thanks for the help guys, I really appreciate it.


-Tim-

[Deleted]

Cut a fired 22 rimfire case off pretty short and slip it over the strain screw, then tighten it. This will tell you right off what you need to do from there.

[ChiefTJS]

Thanks for the tip, I'll give it a try.

[ChiefTJS]

Well after seeing marks on the strain screw, I decided to replace the mainspring and strain screw as cheap insurance. For less than twenty bucks and ten minutes work I went through fifty rounds double action without a hitch yesterday. I'll get a few hundred more through it this week and if it's reliable I'll call it good. I can't understand why anybody would sacrifice reliable ignition for perceived trigger improvement.

[robl]

"I can't understand why anybody would sacrifice reliable ignition for perceived trigger improvement. "
ME EITHER!

[shooting4life]

Glad you fixed the problem. New correct parts is always better than make do fixes. But for someone wondering if this is the problem with there gun you can put a spent primer under the strain screw to lengthen it as well.

[ChiefTJS]

Put another hundred through the 586 this afternoon, all double action without a hitch. This gun is really impressing me now that it works. Might just end up buying some decent grips and leather for it.

[tas6691]

You'll never go wrong with a 586...the poor mans Python, with much more reliable lock work. I love mine!

[ChiefTJS]

Well, it didn't last. Went out today and got three light strikes in 25 rounds. I think this one may make a trip to Smith and Wesson. I won't have a gun around that I can't count on.

[hammerdown77]

Are you shooting factory ammo, or handloads?

Did you check the strain screw to make sure it hadn't backed out again? Sometimes all it takes is a turn.