1969 S&W 36 Trigger reset HELP!!

[snubking]

I just aquired a model 36 j frame made in 1969. When the trigger is let out slowly it hangs up and does not reset. Any idea what the cause may be? I appreciate any help I can get.


Thank you

 

[Zappa]

The action is probably gummed up with dried up oil and pocket lint.
Pop off the side plate and give it a good scrub inside.

 

[Rob Boudrie]

Pop off the side plate and give it a good scrub inside.

CAUTION - Do not try to pry it off with a screwdriver. Remove all the sideplate screws, and the grip, and hold the gun by the muzzle while whacking the grip portion of the frame with the plastic handle of a screwdriver, plastic mallet, or something else non-marring. The sideplate will work out slowly and without buggering it up by prying.

Given the age of the gun, you may need to replace the trigger rebound spring while you have the sideplate off.

 

[Gammon]

CAUTION - Do not try to pry it off with a screwdriver. Remove all the sideplate screws, and the grip, and hold the gun by the muzzle while whacking the grip portion of the frame with the plastic handle of a screwdriver, plastic mallet, or something else non-marring. The sideplate will work out slowly and without buggering it up by prying.

Given the age of the gun, you may need to replace the trigger rebound spring while you have the sideplate off.

I always get a laugh out of these instructions; "beat the pistol with a hammer!" This is, however, the only way to remove the side plate without damaging it or the frame. A couple of suggestions; get a complete spring kit and replace everything, and be careful when working with the rebound spring as it has a tendency to take off for parts unknown. A tool is available for its installation/removal which is not all that expensive. Check out Brownells for the springs and tools.

 

[snubking]

Do you think S&W would replace the springs in the gun? For a fee of course. Im not that great at working with revolvers.

 

[FPrice]

Do you think S&W would replace the springs in the gun? For a fee of course. Im not that great at working with revolvers.

If they won't and you are in the western part of the state, John Lawor at Remsport would probably do it very reasonably. If you are lucky enough to be able to bring it at a time when he can work on it while you wait you will spend some enjpyable time with a very personable and knowledgeable gunsmith.

 

[snubking]

I talked with s&w and a couple gun smiths. If I go that route its gonna run me around $100.00 - $120.00. I think im going to open it up and clean it out. I might just try changing the springs out my self. It shot fine and everything else seems to be in order. The gun is in great condition.

 

[yanici]

Here's a step by step. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=397027

Here's J Frame video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIUfmg1JulE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATrz7SSbpAk&NR=1

 

[dwarven1]

I always get a laugh out of these instructions; "beat the pistol with a hammer!" This is, however, the only way to remove the side plate without damaging it or the frame.

When I started working at Sears' Speciality Repair Center, working on electric hand tools and garden equipment, on my first day on the job my shop foreman got me my tools. First one he handed me was a 16 oz rawhide mallet, saying "This is the most important tool in your bin." Innocent that I was, I thought that he was making a joke and laughed. Didn't take me long to discover that he was dead serious... and dead right! It really WAS.

 

[snubking]

I really appreciate all your help guys. I will let you know how I make out.

 

[M1911]

Do it yourself. It isn't that hard.

 

[FPrice]

Here's a step by step. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=397027

Here's J Frame video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIUfmg1JulE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATrz7SSbpAk&NR=1

Thanks for posting this. I was taught by a S&W and Colt technician how to take the sideplate off a S&W but this helps me unterstand some more complicated procedures.