S&W 500 Magnum PC Light primer strikes

FordPrefect · Mar 11, 2016

Just last month I finally saved enough to get my 10" 500 Magnum. It shoots great with factory loads in SA. I run into a problem when I go DA with it. About 1 in 5 shots show a light primer strike.

I've so far done the normal checks, screw is tight under the grip, cylinder has almost no movement, all clean under the ejector.

Last weekend a friend and I ran a bunch of tests popping off primers and were able to solve the problem by putting a much longer screw in and tightening it. With that done, we were able to reliably get 5/5 in both SA and DA.

TL

R, I guess my main question is has anybody experienced light primer strikes with a large bore revolver? Should I insist Smith take it back and make it work without the bench fix?

Joe13 · Mar 11, 2016

If it's brand new then I would and wouldn't tell them I figured out the issue.

45 for me · Apr 2, 2016

Joe13 said:
If it's brand new then I would and wouldn't tell them I figured out the issue.

I agree. The whole point of the performance center is the gun is supposed to be put together and refined by someone who knows what they are doing, which should preclude this from happening. Sadly, the performance center has been gutted and most performance center models are just assembly line guns with an extra feature.

edslhead · Apr 3, 2016

45 for me said:
I agree. The whole point of the performance center is the gun is supposed to be put together and refined by someone who knows what they are doing, which should preclude this from happening. Sadly, the performance center has been gutted and most performance center models are just assembly line guns with an extra feature.

Really? Mine seems to be top notch. Great trigger, fit and finish. Cant complain

About the light strikes, I'll have to try double action next time I'm out shootn, see what happens.

Joe13 · Apr 3, 2016

edslhead said:
Really? Mine seems to be top notch. Great trigger, fit and finish. Cant complain

About the light strikes, I'll have to try double action next time I'm out shootn, see what happens.

Are you sure that thing doesn't need a stock?

Green with envy

FordPrefect · Apr 3, 2016

Joe13 said:
Are you sure that thing doesn't need a stock?

Green with envy

I just sent it back last week. Going to have to wait for about 3 weeks to get it back. Crossing fingers to get it sooner.

Naah, No shoulder stock. It did come with a sling though!

edslhead · Apr 3, 2016

Too bad ya had to send it in, that's always a hassle.

I shot 20 or so rounds of 45 colt through mine friday. It turns it into a real pussycat

With the 43 gr of LilGun and a 300 gr XTP it was a different story

. The scope walked back a good 1/16 inch and the mount bolts came completely loose. Got it all torqued down and lock tight on em now.

FordPrefect · Apr 3, 2016

edslhead said:
Too bad ya had to send it in, that's always a hassle.

I shot 20 or so rounds of 45 colt through mine friday. It turns it into a real pussycat
With the 43 gr of LilGun and a 300 gr XTP it was a different story. The scope walked back a good 1/16 inch and the mount bolts came completely loose. Got it all torqued down and lock tight on em now.

My load workup is now 45 grains of IMR4227 with a Berry's 350 grain and it kicks like a mule.

45 for me · Apr 3, 2016

edslhead said:
Really? Mine seems to be top notch. Great trigger, fit and finish. Cant complain

About the light strikes, I'll have to try double action next time I'm out shootn, see what happens.

Well, that sure looks nice. And I did say most, not all. The PC label has been slapped on ported assembly line M&p's that I suspect were never in the same zip code as the performance center. Back in the day, PC meant full house custom using S&W parts. Doesn't mean they don't still turn out some nice revolvers. I have a 627 myself. But if they were still putting the time and attention in that they used to, they would not be sending out pistols that can only fire 4 out of 5 times.

Velzey · Apr 3, 2016

It's hard to say when a spring will give it up and stop giving you full pressure. Sometimes springs last 50 years and sometimes a year.

And yes I've experience it allot!
Gimme a holler next time, I can turn it around for you in less than a week! And no shipping involved.

FordPrefect · Apr 3, 2016

45 for me said:
But if they were still putting the time and attention in that they used to, they would not be sending out pistols that can only fire 4 out of 5 times.

That is one of the annoyances I have right now. A friend who I go shooting with picked up the 8" (yeah there is a fraction in there) and he has no issues with in in SA or DA. I had thought that buying a PC version would be a much better firearm. Guess I drank too much kool-aid that day

Certaindeaf · Apr 3, 2016

So did you get that brand new thing brand new or used? People tend to f them things up with spring kits like falling offa log.

FordPrefect · Apr 3, 2016

Certaindeaf said:
So did you get that brand new thing brand new or used? People tend to f them things up with spring kits like falling offa log.

Brand new. One of the reasons that I sent it back to S&W. One of the reasons I didn't take my friends advice about it and just buy a new spring. I just spent the money on a new gun, it should work for at least 20-30 rounds.

Certaindeaf · Apr 3, 2016

FordPrefect said:
Brand new. One of the reasons that I sent it back to S&W. One of the reasons I didn't take my friends advice about it and just buy a new spring. I just spent the money on a new gun, it should work for at least 20-30 rounds.

Aye, well then.