S&W 1911SC n00b question

[sleeplessknight]

So I just purchased my first 1911 this afternoon (Thanks Four Seasons!), the venerable S&W 1911SC. I haven't taken it to the range yet, but I notice when dry-firing it that it exhibits some strange behavior:

When I have the thumb-safety on, hammer in the fully-cocked position, and pull the trigger, nothing happens (as expected). However, as soon as I take the thumb safety off, the hammer drops to the half-cocked position EVERY time. If I don't pull the trigger and take the safety off, the gun stays cocked (as expected) and all is well with the world. Is this normal? I generally fire a Glock 22, so all these extra nifty safeties confuse me...

--Lee

 

[Gammon]

So I just purchased my first 1911 this afternoon (Thanks Four Seasons!), the venerable S&W 1911SC. I haven't taken it to the range yet, but I notice when dry-firing it that it exhibits some strange behavior:

When I have the thumb-safety on, hammer in the fully-cocked position, and pull the trigger, nothing happens (as expected). However, as soon as I take the thumb safety off, the hammer drops to the half-cocked position EVERY time. If I don't pull the trigger and take the safety off, the gun stays cocked (as expected) and all is well with the world. Is this normal? I generally fire a Glock 22, so all these extra nifty safeties confuse me...

--Lee

The thumb safety has not been properly fitted. It should prevent ANY movement of the hammer and sear. In this case the safety is allowing the trigger to move the hammer slightly out of engagement. As long as the safety is engaged it will prevent the hammer from falling. Unfortunately this means that when the safety is disengaged the hammer will drop. Return the pistol to S&W immediately, their customer service is great and this pistol needs a new safety.

 

[Supermoto]

Its failing one of the safety checks, as Gammon said the thumb safety was not fitted correctly. Send it back before you take it to the range

 

[Bugs100]

Take it back to Carl. He will give you another one.

 

[pbearperry]

What ever happened to Quality Control?Oh I remember now....cell phones.

 

[sleeplessknight]

Thanks for your help, guys! As of this morning she is headin' home to Smith & Wesson for repair. I can't believe I didn't spot that at the store, and now I've got to wait 30 days!

 

[Big_Red]

Thanks for your help, guys! As of this morning she is headin' home to Smith & Wesson for repair. I can't believe I didn't spot that at the store, and now I've got to wait 30 days!

It usually doesn't take nearly that long. When I had dropped off my 1911 to have an extractor problem corrected, they had the gun ready to be picked up in 3 days. Granted I dropped it off and picked it up in person but even with shipping it only would have added a few more days.

One thing about S&W customer service...it is top notch. I just wish their QC was on the same level.

 

[swatmedic]

My last warrenty job @ S&W was turned around in about 7 days.

 

[S. Kelly]

Maybe S&W's pumping out too many guns, letting lemons fall thru the cracks. QC suffers when all they can see is profits.