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Up date on S&W model 14

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10 comments

  • cussedemgun
    DBuesching,

    The main spring in your S&W 14 is a flat spring so I doubt that is the problem.

    Sounds to me like something is not fit properly in the hammer block safety widget.

    Why not call Smith & Wesson customer service at 1 800 331 0852
    Mon - Fri 8 to 8 EST. They are the real experts on all things "Smith".

    Jim
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  • MIKE WISKEY
    "The main spring in your S&W 14 is a flat spring so I doubt that is the problem."................or the main spring STRAIN screw is backed out (bottom front of the grip frame)
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  • beantownshootah
    quote:Originally posted by MIKE WISKEY
    "The main spring in your S&W 14 is a flat spring so I doubt that is the problem."................or the main spring STRAIN screw is backed out (bottom front of the grip frame)

    +1

    I've seen this exact problem before in a Smith revolver that had the strain screw loosened, namely 100% function with single action, but random misfires in double-action.

    I don't know why exactly, but the hammer seems to fall "harder" from single action than from double-action.

    Easy thing to check. . .just try tightening the strain screw.

    mainspringstrainscrew004.jpg
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  • dfletcher
    As suggested make certain the mainspring strain screw is fully screwed in. I've seen some that were shortened so they'd be tight but give a lighter pull, ensure yours has not been shortened.

    Remove the grips, the strain screw is on the bottom front of the grip frame. Turn it in all the way.

    If your M14 was an untouched original SA only the hammer will not be cut for the DA sear and sear pin hole. Hopefully your gunsmith handed that part back to you.
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  • SP45
    In addition to checking that the strain screw is scrwed in all the way and that it hasent been shortened check the main spring as well. Way back on competition guns they would take material of the width of the main spring on both sides. It doesnt happen very often but it is easy to miss. If the strain screw is all the way in and the spring hasen't been messed with and you still have missfires you probably just need the proper strain screw. If that doesn't work then you need to look at end shake issues.
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  • Dave45-70
    Update, I removed the strain screw and it does not appear the have been shortened,I even tried a .020 copper shim between the screw and the spring,still no help. The gunsmith is as curious as I am and wants to go over it again after the holidays, I'll keep you all updated. thanks
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  • Dave45-70
    I almost forgot, the original hammer does not have the DA sear and pin hole and the gunsmith gave me the old part back.
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  • robert smith
    try extra power mainspring from brownells.it is an inexpensive experiment
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  • Laredo Lefty
    quote:Originally posted by beantownshootah
    quote:Originally posted by MIKE WISKEY
    "The main spring in your S&W 14 is a flat spring so I doubt that is the problem."................or the main spring STRAIN screw is backed out (bottom front of the grip frame)

    +1

    I don't know why exactly, but the hammer seems to fall "harder" from single action than from double-action.



    The reason is the hammer is farther back when cocked in single action than when cycled in double action. Grab any Smith, look at it from the side and note where the hammer is when fully cocked and released, then pull the trigger double action and you will see it releases noticeably forward of the cocked position.
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  • dfletcher
    quote:Originally posted by Laredo Lefty
    quote:Originally posted by beantownshootah
    quote:Originally posted by MIKE WISKEY
    "The main spring in your S&W 14 is a flat spring so I doubt that is the problem."................or the main spring STRAIN screw is backed out (bottom front of the grip frame)

    +1

    I don't know why exactly, but the hammer seems to fall "harder" from single action than from double-action.



    The reason is the hammer is farther back when cocked in single action than when cycled in double action. Grab any Smith, look at it from the side and note where the hammer is when fully cocked and released, then pull the trigger double action and you will see it releases noticeably forward of the cocked position.


    Damn - I think you nailed it, the SA fall being longer doesn't need as strong a mainspring, so the SA mainspring lacks the power to ignite primers when used in DA mode. Those sneaky little so & so's at Smith, thinking of every angle. So a plain old Smith mainspring from Brownells or Midway should do the trick.

    Son of a gun, I wish I came up with that answer. [V]
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