Traded a S&W Model 63 4” bbl last week for a 17-3 with a 8 3/8”. Had the 63 for a couple years and while it shot fine it just didn’t fit my hand.

Today was the first time I’ve been able to take it out. Gave it to my friend to shoot, 2 out of 6 fired. After a reasonable amount of time I opened the cylinder, light strikes evident.

I was using a box of bulk Winchester .22’s, been shooting from this box of 500 with my Glock 44 and my Victory .22 and this was out of character. Opened a box of subsonic CCI’s, same thing happened.

Pull the grips, first and only thing I see was the strain spring screw backed out, aka a Bubba trigger job. Tighten it down, success!

The moral of the story, check the simple stuff.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: shovelhead,

I am considered a gunsmithing guru amongst my acquaintances. How did achieve this honor? I take their malfunctioning guns.... And clean and lube them properly. Simple!

At least they didn’t file it down…..I’ve had to replace one that had seen some “gunsmithing”

Number one reason for S&W misfires is a loose strain screw.

I am sort of amazed you were getting reliable performance out of Winchester bulk. Winchester and Remington have been in a tight race to the bottom for worst possible quality 22 ammo ever made