S&W 65-5 light primer strikes

[Glocked@45]

I purchased this Smith in the mid to late 90s used, Serial # CAC20**. I have only shot this a hand full of times. Never had any issues unlit last night at the Calguns shoot in Rancho.

Every 2-3 rounds I would get light primer strikes. The first time this happened I waited 20-30 seconds unloaded and reloaded and they would go bang the second time.

I was using Winchester and Fiocchi, any feed back would be appreciated.

Thanks,


smith1.jpg

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[Bruce]

Check the tension on the screw on the front of the grip frame. If it's loose tighten it up. It isn't an adjustment screw,it tensions the main spring. If it is tight, check to see is somebody shortened it to try and lighten the trigger pull.

[Glocked@45]

Thanks for the reply, So I remove the grip to access the screw, correct?

[Bruce]

Thanks for the reply, So I remove the grip to access the screw, correct?

Correct.

[LeftHand-Fu]

Thanks for the reply, So I remove the grip to access the screw, correct?

It's part number 55 in this diagram here: https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufac...824.htm?page=4

Which Winchester and which Fiocchi?

[Glocked@45]

Thank you both, I will take a look when I get home.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

It is possible that the previous owner had an "action job" that traded reliability for a lighter pull.

[Glocked@45]

Check the tension on the screw on the front of the grip frame. If it's loose tighten it up. It isn't an adjustment screw,it tensions the main spring. If it is tight, check to see is somebody shortened it to try and lighten the trigger pull.

It's part number 55 in this diagram here: https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufac...824.htm?page=4

Which Winchester and which Fiocchi?

I took the grips off and the screw was about 3 1/2 turns loose. I do not know anything about wheel guns so I would think if that was supposed to be tight for the tension spring those few turns would make a difference, correct?

The Winchester I was shooting was the White box 110 grain 357 mag. The Fiocchi was 38 Special and not sure as it only had 5-10 rounds in the box and I tossed it when I was done.

[Glocked@45]

It is possible that the previous owner had an "action job" that traded reliability for a lighter pull.

I doubt the previous owner did a action job, he said he purchased it new from Turners shot it a few times then sold it, anything is possible though.

I do not think those grips are original so who knows.

[Gryff]

3" Model 65. Very nice!

[Enzyme]

Nope, sounds hopeless. I'll take it off your hands. :P

[Glocked@45]

3" Model 65. Very nice!

Thank you. I rarely shoot it but I do like it.

Nope, sounds hopeless. I'll take it off your hands. :P

PM your address I will overnight to you.

[trigger945]

Based on your findings, it could indeed be the screw not being tightened properly. Tighten it and shoot it again to see. That screw should always be tightened otherwise reliability (ignition) may be compromised.

Good luck! And yeah, that is an awesome gun. Been looking for one for a bit now. They do not come up very often.

[Glocked@45]

Based on your findings, it could indeed be the screw not being tightened properly. Tighten it and shoot it again to see. That screw should always be tightened otherwise reliability (ignition) may be compromised.

Good luck! And yeah, that is an awesome gun. Been looking for one for a bit now. They do not come up very often.

Yes, I will report back once I take it back out. It was one of my HD guns so the light primer strikes are concerning. Its back in the safe replaced with another handgun until I verify.

Questions:

After I tightened the screw the hammer seems to have more tension when I cock it with my thumb, was it because the tension screw was loose or am I imagining this?

Are those aftermarket grips ?

What is the price range on this model? (not selling just curious, I paid $300 back then)

Is that model/barrel size desirable?

[trigger945]

Its back in the safe replaced with another handgun until I verify.

That is a great HD gun but what you did is smart. Verify that it works flawlessly first.

After I tightened the screw the hammer seems to have more tension when I cock it with my thumb, was it because the tension screw was loose or am I imagining this?

You are not imagining. It is indeed because of this. The hammer drop is basically stronger/harder now than before, which aids in ignition. You will also notice that the trigger pull will be a bit heavier.

Are those aftermarket grips ?

I don't think so. Some of the K-frames (Model 65 is a K-frame) made in the late 90's and early 2000's sported Uncle Mike's rubber grips, which your Model 65 has based on the picture. I have a 2.5" revolver from that time frame and the factory grips are exactly the same. I don't like them though, as the finger grooves do not match my hand. I replaced them with Pachmayr Compac grips and find them to be way better. If it were not designated as HD gun, I would use checkered wood grips instead.

What is the price range on this model? (not selling just curious, I paid $300 back then)

Price range is all over the place. Here's what I can say:

Revolvers with a pinned barrel and a recessed cylinder (aka "P&R") are highly desirable to collectors. Your 65-5 does not have those features

3-in barrel models are HIGHLY desirable. Some K-frames with 3-in barrels were issued to the FBI so there's a huge following

Model 65's are no longer in production. Some classic S&W models are still made today (Model 10, Model 64, Model 67, etc.) but not the Model 65

K-frames are highly regarded as some of the most comfortable revolvers to carry and shoot. They are medium-frame revolvers and fit most hands

3-in Model 65's are just not very easy to find

If I were to put a price range (in CA) based on what I have seen (semi-comparable models, i.e. 4" pre-lock K-frames, etc.), I would say $650 (very low) to $1,250 on your 65-5. Condition and location, among other things, play a role in the price. I am no expert, just sharing what I think is reasonable. So at a purchase price of $300, you have quite a bit of equity

Is that model/barrel size desirable?

See above


Hope this helps. If you want an estimated shipping date of your revolver, post here or PM me with the first 3 letters and first number of the serial number (i.e. AYR8##). I will check my catalog and let you know.