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Post by ChiefTJS on Jan 6, 2012 10:23:17 GMT -5
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?
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robl
.375 Atomic
These were the good ole days!
Posts: 1,415
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Post by robl on Jan 6, 2012 11:00:32 GMT -5
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.
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dmize
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 2,825
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Post by dmize on Jan 6, 2012 11:24:08 GMT -5
Sounds like a single action trigger job gone bad to me. I would guess its the mainspring.
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Post by subsonic on Jan 6, 2012 12:58:10 GMT -5
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.
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Post by serialsolver on Jan 6, 2012 13:29:28 GMT -5
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.
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Post by ChiefTJS on Jan 6, 2012 18:17:29 GMT -5
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-
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2012 23:12:27 GMT -5
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.
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Post by ChiefTJS on Jan 7, 2012 16:31:06 GMT -5
Thanks for the tip, I'll give it a try.
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Post by ChiefTJS on Jan 15, 2012 10:15:55 GMT -5
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.
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robl
.375 Atomic
These were the good ole days!
Posts: 1,415
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Post by robl on Jan 15, 2012 12:14:56 GMT -5
"I can't understand why anybody would sacrifice reliable ignition for perceived trigger improvement. " ME EITHER!
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Post by shooting4life on Jan 17, 2012 16:03:57 GMT -5
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.
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Post by ChiefTJS on Jan 24, 2012 18:31:48 GMT -5
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.
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Post by tas6691 on Jan 25, 2012 8:37:31 GMT -5
You'll never go wrong with a 586...the poor mans Python, with much more reliable lock work. I love mine!
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Post by ChiefTJS on Feb 16, 2012 15:57:25 GMT -5
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.
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Post by hammerdown77 on Feb 16, 2012 17:09:50 GMT -5
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.
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