Author Topic: Dan Wesson 15-2VH non-existent hammer strikes  (Read 817 times)

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Offline Gunny45

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Dan Wesson 15-2VH non-existent hammer strikes
« on: September 24, 2006, 12:28:15 PM »
Has anyone had this happen to them?  I just acquirred a DW 15-2VH .357 Mag kit with the 4 barrels.  Don't have any idea when it was made but it has been fired very little.  In two hundred rounds it failed to make a mark on the primer twice when I pulled the trigger - both times in single action.  Subsequent hammer strikes worked normally.  I heard this is a problem with Dan Wesson revolvers.  is this true?  How do I fix it?  Thanks. ???

Offline DWTim

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Re: Dan Wesson 15-2VH light hammer strikes
« Reply #1 on: September 24, 2006, 03:59:48 PM »
If there was absoultely no mark, well, that's different than light strikes. Is something between the transfer bar and the frame? Is the firing pin impeded by something? Perhaps you can dry fire it while shining a light through the frame to see if the pin doesn't come forward. Are there pin strikes somewhere else on the case head?

Offline Gunny45

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Re: Dan Wesson 15-2VH light hammer strikes
« Reply #2 on: September 25, 2006, 12:56:25 AM »
There were no strikes anywhere on the case head.  Nothing between the bar and frame that I can see.  I put some oil on the trigger and hammer mechanisms (where I could reach with a syringe).  The pistol was a little dry.  I think the last owner probably had it stored.  I will try the dry firing with the light.  Thanks.

Offline GrantCunningham

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Re: Dan Wesson 15-2VH light hammer strikes
« Reply #3 on: September 25, 2006, 08:19:24 AM »
Without seeing it, it's difficult to diagnose precisely. Light strikes with DWs, particularly if the mainsprings have been changed, are not unusual (for a number of reasons.) No strikes, though, are a bit odder.

I have seen several guns where the sideplate was not fitted correctly, leaving a small "ledge" at the junction of the sideplate and frame up near the rear sight. In one case, the hammer (which was very loose on its pin - another DW characteristic) wobbled sufficiently that it caught on the little ledge, which slowed it so much that it did not impact the primer hard enough to leave a mark.

Of course, another cause could be severe timing problems; this usually manifests itself on one particular chamber, which isn't getting rotated far enough to come under the firing pin. Check carefully; if it happens on the same chamber consistently, it's most likely timing. (Check the other primers for off-center hits, as DWs that are out of time usually have some sign on the other chambers as well.)

Of course, grit or dirt in the firing pin channel can have this effect, though it is not at all common.

Hope this helps!
-=[ Grant ]=-
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"The earth isn't flat, your gun shouldn't be either!"
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www.grantcunningham.com

Offline Gunny45

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Re: Dan Wesson 15-2VH light hammer strikes
« Reply #4 on: September 25, 2006, 12:07:01 PM »
OK, thanks Grant.  Another thing to check.

Offline Gunny45

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Re: Dan Wesson 15-2VH non-existent hammer strikes
« Reply #5 on: October 06, 2006, 02:28:51 PM »
I oiled it up becasue the action looked very dry.  I have not had one problem with it since.