Smith and Wesson Double Action circa 1880

[Vathek]

By means of introduction I'm a United States Marine field MP.  I'll gladly admit my knowledge of firearms doesn't really extend much towards revolvers, and certainly not to firearms in general prior to 1900.  However after my first deployment I came back flush with money and happened upon a Smith and Wesson Double Action that's patent marked for 1880.  As I've always thought a revolver that breaks open is fairly interesting, and because it was in pretty good condition, I decided to buy it.  From what little research I've done I've discovered that most firearms of the time didn't have caliber markings.  Naturally mine does not.  The owner of the store said it was .44 Russian.
Well, to make a rather boring and long story short, .44 Russian chambers and shoots.  The problem I have is that it doesn't always go bang when I pull the trigger.  Not the most desirable aspect in a firearm.  So far all I've been able to get my hands on is some Ultramax, and I'm wondering if the primers are just too hard for the firing pin.  Again my knowledge of western arms and ammunition is somewhat limited.  So, to get to the point, do I just need to find ammunition with a softer primer, or am I way off.  Thanks and sorry for the length of my question.

[Silver_Rings]

To start with look at the primers of the fired cases.  If the primer is only dented lightly you may be able to make the hammer spring stronger by tightening the small screw that is located in the lower part of the front strap of the grip frame.  Just adjust it a couple of turn and try it, if the hammer strikes are still light try a couple more turns. If this doesn't work removed the grips and take a look at the main spring.  You should be able to see where the screw you tighten presses against the spring.  You are trying to determine if the spring is in good shape, not broken.  This is a start.

SR

[Vathek]

Thank you.  Just pulled off the grips and took a look at the spring for the hell of it.  Spring looks good, not really rusted and no pitting.  Another thing that concerns me is that the firing pin seems to be slightly hooked at the tip where it protrudes into the chamber.  Again, as I have no clue really what I'm looking for and as the internet seems to be less and less useful every time I come back from the desert, I'm not sure if it was designed like that or just from the repeated stress of firing.  I really appreciate the response, I know a double action is starting to get out of the scope of cowboy action shooting, so thank you again.

[Will Ketchum]

Just sent you a personal message.  Don't shoot a whole lot smokeless loads in that old gun.

Will Ketchum

[Old No7]

Hello Vathek:

Glad to see that others can help you with the "new" gun (nice choice!), but I just wanted to chime in here and "Thank You" for your service.

I became friends with a Marine Cpl from CA on the leverguns forum, and I actually got to meet him once a couple of years ago.  He's a Gunny now, and we still keep in touch.

I appreciate all that you guys (and the gals) do for us.

Hope you have some great shootin' -- at targets that won't shoot back!

Old No7

[Montana Slim]

Thank you.  Just pulled off the grips and took a look at the spring for the hell of it.  Spring looks good, not really rusted and no pitting.  Another thing that concerns me is that the firing pin seems to be slightly hooked at the tip where it protrudes into the chamber.  Again, as I have no clue really what I'm looking for and as the internet seems to be less and less useful every time I come back from the desert, I'm not sure if it was designed like that or just from the repeated stress of firing.  I really appreciate the response, I know a double action is starting to get out of the scope of cowboy action shooting, so thank you again.

No, this is within the scope of cowboy firearms. This model was carried and used by a number of common folk, lawmen and notorious killers. I have one similar with nickel finish and pearl grips, .44 S&W cartridge (.44 Russian).

Misfires as you describe are likely either due to (1) mainspring tension, which you may adjust with the screw facing the inside bottom of the grip frame, or (2) Excessive play in the top latch mechanism (increases the headspace & distance of the firing pin to the cartridge).

Note: I only use blackpowder cartridge loads in mine to reduce stress on the frame & latch.

I occasionally use my revolver in SASS monthly matches...BTW, it is an approved firearm for NCOWS.

Regards,
Slim

[Vathek]

I noticed yesterday while messing with the pistol that a spring on a plunger attached to the ejector can be adjusted so the cylinder fits closer to the rear of the frame.  So if it is headspacing could adjusting that help with the problem?  At this point it's all conjecture because there aren't too many places I've found around Lejeune to shoot.  Nonetheless, it's great info gents, thanks again.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Vathek;  There are a dozen or so SASS clubs in NC.  For cowboy action shooting ranges, contact the nearest one;

http://www.sassnet.com/AClubs-NC-001A.php

NCOWS doesn't have a Carolina Posse yet, but there are usually several members of NCOWS on duty in the area.  Check in to the NCOWS board and introduce yourself.  You might find that we are what you are looking for.  We also have a "Working Cowboy" class, using one revolver and a pistol caliber levergun.

[44caliberkid]

I have one that developed excessive headspace and would reliably fire all the time.  I had to make a spacer that went between the cylinder arbor (pin) and the back of the cylinder.  It took care of my headspace problem but now I have excessive barrel/ cylinder gap.   But it does shoot.   I also have a couple Belgian copies of this pistol.   The nicer one is 38-40, the other is .44 and will chamber 44-40, 44 Russian or 44 Special.  I haven't tried a 44 Mag, but that would probably drop in too.  Has a rather generous chamber.   I only shoot BP or APP.