.22 S&W Revolver: Old Ammo?

Cow Tag · Jan 19, 2014

Recently, I decided to shoot a couple of my handguns. Selected a S&W model 17 revolver in .22 caliber. found some old Remington Yellow Jacket hollow point bullets and put up a target against a solid railroad tie corner post. The revolver would fire about four out of six times and I did this a couple of times. Selected a an box of Winchester long rifle bullets and the results were the same. Could old ammo just wear out from old age? The brass was dented by the hammer/firing pin mechanism. I do not have any "new" .22 ammo but will try to acquire a box and do some more testing. Any comments, advice, suggestions about my situation?

sageadvice · Jan 19, 2014

cowtag, If you're selling, give me first crack at it!

I have a Model 17, have had it since shortly after i got out of college, and have never had anywhere near the problems you are describing. I have shot new and old regular stuff, at least a brick of Yellowjackets through it and lots and lots of my favorite squirrel loading, Stingers.

Yes, i've had the odd round not go off but nothing as you describe. Wish i could help further but no suggestions other than to sell it to me!

Joey

"It's all about knowing what your firearms practical limitations are and combining that with your own personal limitations!"

440sixpack · Jan 19, 2014

I suppose it could be, but I have 50 year old ammo that works fine.

How good is the hammer denting the rim? I'd sooner think you have a gun problem.

Stay thirsty my friends

stinky · Jan 19, 2014

There is a lot of .22 ammo out there that is pretty low grade stuff. I really doubt that the ammo broke down because of age.

I assume that you tried a double strike on the rounds.

How old is it and where was it stored?

You didn't say what type of Winchester ammo. We shoot some Winchester at Hunter Ed and some of it is real hard to extract. (But, it always fires). I had a gun that wouldn't extract, and the next night we had a Retail Counter guy in w/his grand-kid. He donated a brick of Blazers (not what I would consider great ammo...SHAZAM!!! the gun that wouldn't extract the night before worked just fine.

If anything, I'd suspect your gun...is it stock?

John 14:6

Gator · Jan 20, 2014

weak firing pin strike IMO

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
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Cow Tag · Jan 20, 2014

Forgot to inform you MM readers about one important thing in my original post---------the bullets fire every time I use this nice target revolver DOUBLE ACTION. Called the local gunsmith today and he told me that for whatever the reason (s)are that this weapon has a WEAK spring on its hammer.I believe that Gator gets the door prize here. Thanks for each of your comments. Cow Tag

sageadvice · Jan 20, 2014

Cowtag, glad you found the probable source and interesting that the misfires seem to come only in single action.

I have several fine 22 handguns and rate my 17 right up there with the most accurate and best of them. Even back when my eyes were sharp and i shot them a lot, if i did my part which wasn't too hard to do, my groups with it were amazingly tight. At least, they sometimes amazed me... and then i'd look down at this 4" barreled Revolver!

I truly love my High Standard target pistol but that revolver will hang with it all day long. Good luck getting yours back on track!!

Joey

RELH · Jan 21, 2014

Does that model of S&W have the flat hammer spring with a strain screw located in the front bottom of the grip. If it does, try turning the screw clockwise to increase the pressure on the hammer. Most S&W pistols have this feature and a lot of guys will back the screw out to get a lighter trigger pull and that also causes a lighter hammer fall.

RELH

Cow Tag · Jan 24, 2014

REHL, thanks a million for this 'new to me' information. I will check out my model 17 in a few minutes. If my weapon does indeed have this adjustment screw, I will tinker with it to a small degree and see what develops. Could be the problem. Will make a report back to you soon. Cow Tag

Cow Tag · Jan 24, 2014

REHL, I looked closely at the anatomy of my S&W model 17-4 target revolver. On the right hand side of the weapon, I see two screws. One is centered just below the cylinder while the other is very close to the target grip meets up with the trigger guard. Down and to the right of the large S&W logo on the gun's right side. Is this what I am looking for? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks, Cow Tag

sageadvice · Jan 24, 2014

cowtag, i believe the spring tension screw RELH is talking about, you have to take the wood grip off to see it.

Joey

"It's all about knowing what your firearms practical limitations are and combining that with your own personal limitations!"

Cow Tag · Jan 24, 2014

Sage, thanks for more great advice. I will take the wooden target grip off of both sides and will inspect. Great help. Cow Tag

Cow Tag · Jan 24, 2014

I found the strain screw that REHL advised me to find. Really do not know exactly how far clockwise I should turn this adjustment screw. Guess that I could experiment to a degree: turn 1/2 turn to the right and fire the weapon about ten times. If every .22 bullet works, then I probably have just about the adjustment that I need. Trial and error. Will report back soon.

RELH · Jan 24, 2014

1/2 turn should be fine and check for reliable ignition. I am guessing you will not have to turn it very much over 1/2 turn based on your original report on the misfires.

RELH

Cow Tag · Jan 24, 2014

Was getting down to business, using my 'gun working screw driver set' I could NOT get the strain screw to move clockwise.....to the right. It would back off counter clockwise easily but would not bulge going to the right. I am exactly at the same location (setting) that I was at when I started the adjustment. May have to take this revolver to a gunsmith who would have the proper and correct tools. Sort of snubbed my toe here. All comments welcomed.

RELH · Jan 25, 2014

LAST EDITED ON Jan-25-14 AT 10:16AM (MST)[p]If that is the case, the strain screw may be fully adjusted in and will not go any further. that means your flat hammer spring has taken a "set" and and now is too weak to give reliable ignition.
I would replace the flat hammer spring. Also some times a gunsmith or gun owner will file down the flat hammer spring for a lighter trigger pull and may have gotten it too thin. New spring is the solution also for that problem. Simple fix that you can do yourself. To remove the spring, loosen the strain screw until no pressure is on the spring and the bottom of the spring will slide out from the slot in the frame. the upper part has small hooks that attach to the hammer studs and can be lifted off the studs.
I would check with "Brownells" and see if they have a new hammer spring. I am not sure if other S&W models will interchange with your spring, but I would be surprised if some do not. You can call Brownells and talk with one of their tech people and ascertain what would be the correct spring.

I checked the Brownells web site and checked the factory items for a model 17. What you want to replace is the "Mainspring" and part number may be #940-050-470WB. I would confirm this first with one of their tech people as that part is for many "K" frame models. Also it is on backorder and not in stock right now.

RELH

Cow Tag · Jan 25, 2014

Thank you again for your advice. Sounds like you know what you are talking about. Will contact Brownells and order the spring. Will get good to get my revolver back into good working order.