K-.38 rliability issues

samsmix · February 16, 2010, 11:40 PM

Unreliable is not a word frequently used to describe my Smith & Wesson M-15-3, but mine has issues:

When tilted at an upward angle the hammer will function normally, but the cylinder will not turn. This happens in both the DA and SA modes.

When aimed at a downward angle, it will function normally. Any clues as to what the problem is?

As is, it's a great gun to hold the high ground with!

10-96 · February 17, 2010, 05:12 AM

Sounds like the trigger over-travel tab. When you get the side plate off, there is a oval shaped piece with a screw in one end. It's located to the rear of the trigger. My guess is that part is rotating by gravity and locking up your trigger pull. Once you get it set properly, put a drop of fingernail polish on top of the screw to keep it in place. Oh, and you may need to de-grease and clean any oil residue from the area before the polish will stick.

James K · February 17, 2010, 11:34 PM

Hi, samsmix,

Did you have the gun apart? What you describe sounds like a disconnected hand spring, which can only happen if the sideplate has been off and the hand removed and improperly installed or moved back too far.

It is possible that the hand spring is broken, but that is so rare I have never seen it happen, though I guess it could.

Jim

samsmix · March 1, 2010, 05:15 AM

Yessss indeedy, it was that pesky hand spring. Now, all is well

Thank You

February 16, 2010, 11:40 PM	#1
samsmix Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2006 Location: Montana (Montucky?) Posts: 1,283	K-.38 rliability issues Unreliable is not a word frequently used to describe my Smith & Wesson M-15-3, but mine has issues: When tilted at an upward angle the hammer will function normally, but the cylinder will not turn. This happens in both the DA and SA modes. When aimed at a downward angle, it will function normally. Any clues as to what the problem is? As is, it's a great gun to hold the high ground with! __________________ You'll probably never NEED a gun. I hope you never do. But IF you do, you will need it worse than anything you've ever needed in your life. IF we're not supposed to eat animals, howcome God made 'em outta meat?

February 17, 2010, 05:12 AM	#2
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,190	Sounds like the trigger over-travel tab. When you get the side plate off, there is a oval shaped piece with a screw in one end. It's located to the rear of the trigger. My guess is that part is rotating by gravity and locking up your trigger pull. Once you get it set properly, put a drop of fingernail polish on top of the screw to keep it in place. Oh, and you may need to de-grease and clean any oil residue from the area before the polish will stick. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

March 1, 2010, 05:15 AM	#4
samsmix Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2006 Location: Montana (Montucky?) Posts: 1,283	We have a WINNER! Yessss indeedy, it was that pesky hand spring. Now, all is well Thank You __________________ You'll probably never NEED a gun. I hope you never do. But IF you do, you will need it worse than anything you've ever needed in your life. IF we're not supposed to eat animals, howcome God made 'em outta meat?

February 17, 2010, 11:34 PM	#3
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Hi, samsmix, Did you have the gun apart? What you describe sounds like a disconnected hand spring, which can only happen if the sideplate has been off and the hand removed and improperly installed or moved back too far. It is possible that the hand spring is broken, but that is so rare I have never seen it happen, though I guess it could. Jim