Mod 15 cylinder/trigger jamming

[greatgoogamooga]

I have a used, new to me Dan Wesson Mod 15 (.357).  First time at the range the gun worked fine, but the trigger was stiff.  I replaced the  hammer and trigger return springs with the Wolff reduced power springs. I also replaced the grip with a Hogue monogrip which required a longer screw.  Next trip to the range  the cylinder woudn't turn in single action firing.  In double action the cylinder turned.  After a short while,  I the trigger wouldn't budge and it felt like there was an obstruction preventing either it or the cylinder from moving.  If I gave the trigger a couple of squeezes it would unlock, but the action was very stiff.  These problems only occured with a loaded gun, never when dry firing.

When I came home I took it apart again and looked it over.  I needed to regap the barrel/cylinder, it was a little snug, but not enough to bind.  The ejection rod was loose.  Both springs were securely in place.

I can only think that the gap between the cylinder and barrel was binding the cylinder when combined with powder fouling as the cause.  This would make the firing stiff, but done't explain the locked/obstructed trigger pull.  I haven't taken it to the range to check it again yet.  Before I do, anyone have any suggestions of what to look for?

Goog

[Heavyhaul]

Maybe we can both learn something here.  The only thing I can think of is high primers and the cylinder not moving easy enough to allow alignment for the trigger to work.?  I'll keep an eye on this post.

[GrantCunningham]

I saw your post on another forum, so please forgive the duplication.

I suspect that you're dealing with two separate problems.

First, take off the new grips - does the problem with single action go away? I'll lay odds it will; a long grip screw will stop the mainspring plunger from traveling far enough, which would allow double action but not single action. The fix is to take out the grip screw, grind a bit off the end, then reinstall. Happens with great frequency, in my experience.

This could also be causing your other problem, but it's more likely dirt under the extractor. The DW indexes the extractor star with two little rectangular projections that mate to corresponding recesses in the cylinder. Those recesses are almost impossible to clean out without a dental pick, and if they collect enough crud they'll prevent the extractor from seating fully, which will produce the binding you described.

Push on the ejector rod to hold the extractor out, and clean the little recesses thoroughly with something pointy; then shoot it and see if the problem reappears.

Good luck!

-=[ Grant ]=-
www.grantcunningham.com

[darrell8937]

try backing off on the main spring adjustment. If it is too tigh it will bind up. I have a nice picture of the internal springs etc.