S&W 325pd ignition problems

[fmcdave]

I bought an S&W 325pd with a 4 inch barrel at a gun show and for the most part I am very happy with it. However, I have had some ignition problems when firing double action. I was first EXTREMELY concerned as I was getting a lot of first strike FTGB (failure to go bang) with double action and single action. So, I put 100 rounds of commercial ammo through it in double action and it worked perfectly. I also put 100 rounds of self-defense ammo through it and it worked perfectly.

So I switched to Federal Primers and it appeared like my problem went away. However, I went shooting today and had 3 FTGB on the first strike. Two with double action and one with single action. I have calibrated my Dillon reloader and have checked the seating of the primers on each round.

I'm wondering if someone has "fiddled" with the action and how one might tell. The double action is smooth as silk (just like my S&W 625).

I love this gun. It is incredibly accurate and at 28oz loaded...I can carry it all day. I'm hoping someone has some insight.
Thanks,
Dave

 

[Nomad]

I didn't see where you stated if the gun was new or used. If it is used it is possible someone has changed out the springs. I ran into this problem last year when primers were short and I had to use Mag Tech primers. One of my competition guns had a lightened spring and I had to change it back to stock and it was fine. Federal and Winchester are among softest so my guess it your gun will light them up fine. CCI and Mag Tech have a harder cup. If you gun is new I'd send it back to S&W after contacting them.

 

[Cuzzin]

Ditto - bet the springs had been lightened or replaced. Change em back or use ammo from Federal as suggested.

 

[p95]

did you take the grips off and check the strain screw?

 

[rcmodel]

Yep.
Check the strain screw and make sure it is tight.

A lot of people think it is a DA trigger pull adjustment screw.

It isn't!

rc

 

[fmcdave]

Thanks for the advice! I was able to put about two full turns on the strain screw. I'm going to take it to the range ASAP with some of the Wolf primer loads and see what happens

The pistol was used, so I'm not sure what the previous owner had done. One quick question though, should I put a caliper on the moon clips? I'm thinking that if some are thinner, that could also be a problem? What do folks think of that?
Dave

 

[340PD]

Your problem should be gone with the tight strain screw. My 625 had the same issue. All moonclips now work fine. Let us know.

 

[gamestalker]

Yes, I've had the same issue with two of my S&Ws. Diagnosing the cause took a little trial and error. I replaced the main spring with a new factory spring and it was still having problems. I then replaced the firing pin with an extended one and it was more reliable, but still now and then with DA. I finally lapped the hammer down while testing every .001" until the problem disappeared completely. It's real important to not lap too much off at one time or you'll start getting contact with the FP when your finger isn't on the trigger. You don't want it to discharge if dropped with the hammer down. I tested it with a primed only cartridge by dropping the hammer at full extension with my finder off the trigger. I also used a primed only case to find the lapping point needed.

 

[gamestalker]

I guess I should have asked you if the spring was not adjusted nice and tight first. But if you still have problems check the hammer stopping point, it's not all that unusual in my experience with these S&Ws. 66-2 & 66-5

 

[fmcdave]

Update on Ignition Problem

Per suggestions, I did check the spring screw and was able to tighten it two full turns. I went to the range this morning and put 42 rounds of the Wolf primered reloads through it. I had two rounds which required second strikes. This is a lot better than the 10-12 rounds I would have had before. I'll try some Federal primered rounds next (as I am not real happy with the Wolfs).

I have a question though about the hammer stop. I might try to look at that next, but want to make sure I'm looking at the right area. Did I identify it correctly in this picture?

 

[fmcdave]

Ignition Problem Solved

Well, I believe that tightening the strain screw solved the problem. I went to the range again with my Federal primed reloads and shot 72 rounds double action with no failures to go bang. I did put a caliper on my moon clips and found some variation, but I fired all of them and there were no problems.

Target below. Double action at 7 yards.

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