beretta 21A not going bang

[9mmepiphany]

a co-worker is trying to sell a somewhat neglected beretta 21A which has a slight problem (besides the light rust and the missing mag). looks like it would clean up well and might even be fun but...

during the DA trigger pull, the hammer seems to fall before the it reaches full stand (less than half way back) resulting in only a light dent in the rim and no ignition. not function problem in SA mode (goes bang :p )

is this a botched trigger job or a loose piece somewhere alone the draw bar?

what do you think it is worth as a project piece?

much thanks

[Ned Christiansen]

That's typical for the 21A and pretty much any gun of that action type-- the hammer does not come as far back in DA as it does when cocked for SA. These are pretty decent guns, just a little finicky on ammo due to the short barrel. You might have to try 2 or 3 types. Once you find what works, stick with it and it'll do you a good job.

[C.R.Sam]

Hammer fall probably get a lot more vigorous after a good clean n lube job.

Sam