s&w victory trigger problem

[noname1]

I have an S&W Victory .38 Special revolver that I purchased used. It shoots fine, but when I release the trigger, if I don't allow it to come all the way forward, and I pull the trigger again, it doesn't do anything, that is, doesn't cycle the action, just clicks back. Other guns I have "catch" sooner, that is, you don't have to let the trigger come forward completely to take a second shot. Anyone have an idea about this?

 

[JoeHatley]

Sounds like your trigger return spring is a little weak, or has been shortened at some point in the past. Pop over to www.gunsprings.com and take a look at getting a replacement standard power one.

Another problem could be just general "crud" in the action. A good cleaning/lube might be all that is needed.

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[Old Fuff]

Having worked on Lord knows how many of these guns I would say that Joe is right. However another possibility is that the cylinder stop is hanging up and preventing the trigger from returning. To find out you (or perhaps better yet, a gunsmith) need to remove the sideplate after which you can see what's going on.

It might be important to know, has this revolver been this way since you got it, or was it fine at first and then developed problems?

 

[noname1]

The gun has been this way since I got it. I picked it up fairly cheap, knowing that it had the problem. I may not have explained it clearly. The trigger does return to the forward position. The problem occurs when, after shooting once, instead of letting the trigger return all the way to the forward position, that I pull it again while it is most of the way forward. In any other revolver I have used, it will catch and let you shoot again. This one doesn't, rather when you do the second trigger pull, it does nothing, just goes back and doesnt catch anything or cycle the action. Thanks for the help! Rich

 

[Standing Wolf]

My first hunch would be that it needs a thorough cleaning. Sad to say, I've never bought a used gun that was anything other than filthy inside.

 

[Old Fuff]

The design of the lockwork is such that the trigger does have to go all of the way forward before you start pulling it back again for the next shot. Try pulling the trigger and then letting the trigger go all the way before you start pulling it back and see what happens.

First of all I think the inside of this revolver may be packed with old, dried grease. If you don't want to take it apart remove the grips and soak the rest of the gun is a pan of mineral spirits for a while and then drain or air hose out the remaining solvent. This may work wonders. If it doesn’t the whole gun will have to be detail stripped and cleaned.

 

[noname1]

I looked at it again, and I think that you are right about the trigger return spring. It seems to be on the weak side. Is this hard to replace, in case cleaning doesnt do the trick? Thanks again, guys!

 

[Old Fuff]

Easy or hard depends on experience, and since you're asking I suspect that experience is lacking. While replacing the spring isn't hard too do, doing it the "wrong way" can damage the sideplate and possibly other parts. Someone who is experienced with working on S&W revolvers can do the job in under five minutes, although once you start you may find other things that need attention. You may know someone who can perform this chore. If not, I'll try to provide additional instructions, but that will take some time to write up.

 

[noname1]

I really have zero experience working on guns. I think I will try to locate a good smith. Anyone know of anyone in Durham, NC area? There are a couple local gun stores that would probably do it, but I there is a ton of knowledge on this board, so I figured I would ask. Thanks for all your help, guys!

 

[Old Fuff]

O.K., but if you don't find a gunsmith come back for more help. It's always available. You might do a search on disassembling S&W revolvers. I seem to remember there was one.

 

[Old Fuff]

Look at the following THR thread on disasembling S&W K-frame revolvers.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=36924&highlight=S&W+Disassembly

Then if you need to know more come back.