Taurus 38 special revolver out of time, what to do

November 06, 2016 17:43

I inherited a Taurus .38 special revolver that wouldn't shoot in DA mode very often but 100% in SA mode. It wasn't right away but I noticed the DA primer strikes were a little lighter, but most notably off center indicating to me it is likely out of time.

I thought Taurus had a lifetime warranty so I called them and basically got the "all our guns have lifetime warranty, except yours" [:(!] speech but for $200 I could upgrade to one that does have it.

So, I think out-of-time issues aren't for the home gunsmith. The gun isn't worth much money-wise. I kinda want it because I inherited it although I am not big on revolvers. So what's the best route do you guys think?

Comments

10 comments

fordsix

November 06, 2016 17:51
drill a hole in it and bolt to the wall
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Horse Plains Drifter

November 06, 2016 18:31
I would just shoot it SA.
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rufe-snow

November 06, 2016 18:35
quote:Originally posted by bambihunter
I inherited a Taurus .38 special revolver that wouldn't shoot in DA mode very often but 100% in SA mode. It wasn't right away but I noticed the DA primer strikes were a little lighter, but most notably off center indicating to me it is likely out of time.

I thought Taurus had a lifetime warranty so I called them and basically got the "all our guns have lifetime warranty, except yours" [:(!] speech but for $200 I could upgrade to one that does have it.

So, I think out-of-time issues aren't for the home gunsmith. The gun isn't worth much money-wise. I kinda want it because I inherited it although I am not big on revolvers. So what's the best route do you guys think?

You might consider retensioning the hammer spring, prior to attempting to work on the timing. From your above quote, this might be the problem. First tighten the tension, on the hammer spring tensioning screw that located in the front of the grip. You can see how it operates, by removing the grips.

If this is not enough, for reliable double action firing? With small flat washers, try shimming the hammer spring to increase it's tension. I have gone this route previously, with small diameter flat washers. On other revolvers. Each one was .030 thick. If you have a old worn out hammer spring. This might make it operable for DA firing?
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charliemeyer007

November 06, 2016 19:07
My guess is the hand is worn or there is crud in the slot preventing it from rotating the cylinder far enough so the bolt will drop in the notch. The star could be loose and or the crane bent slightly.

Take it apart and clean it, inspect the working surfaces with a hand lens. Lube it properly and put it back together. Test it empty to see if it functions correctly. The bolt should drop into the notch in the cylinder before the hammer falls when pressing the trigger in slow double action.

added Find a copy of one of jerry's books as a guide. I think the S&W book such as this one will help. Likely need to buy an online pdf
https://www.amazon.com/Revolver-Shop-Manual-Covers-Actions/dp/B000MRFUWY
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tsr1965

November 07, 2016 00:08
ALL Taurus guns have a lifetime warranty...which they need to be used regularly, in most cases. Send it back, get it repaired, then if it has sentimental value, put it in the safe and don't use it. If it has no sentimental value, ditch it for something you like, with something other than the Taurus name.
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bambihunter

November 07, 2016 07:53
Thanks for the feedback guys. It sounds like something I can at least look at. I had always heard timing issues aren't for the faint of heart or inexperienced. I'll open it up and see what I see. ALL the guns I inherited from him were filthy, many of the .22lr's wouldn't even function until I soaked and cleaned them. This one was supposedly his duty gun for the short period he was a policeman and was actually quite clean, at least on the outside.

tsr1965, this one is made in Brazil which is why they said it was excluded. I'll try calling them again. I had thought before about a couple different ones of theirs based on the warranty but won't if they don't honor this one.
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nmyers

November 07, 2016 16:55
The weasel words in the Taurus warranty:

Our Unlimited Lifetime Repair Policy extends to all Taurus firearms imported or manufactured by Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc. Your gun was made prior to Taurus International Mfg.

Ordinarily, I'd say "cut your losses". But, if they are offering a new gun for $200 ---- even another Taurus ---- I would be tempted. Just don't depend on it to save your life.....

Neal
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Aztngundoc22

November 08, 2016 08:37
OK :

Try Taurus , OR Contact a real GUNSMITH !!!!!

Thanks !!!
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lew07

November 08, 2016 08:53
quote:Originally posted by fordsix
drill a hole in it and bolt to the wall

[:D]
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Grasshopper

November 08, 2016 09:03
Do the two hundred.
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