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Anyone with a 642 or 442 experience light strikes? I was at the range this weekend and had 3 light strikes out of 50 rounds. Not sure if it was the primers but the second time around, all 3 went bang. I was shooting reloads that I picked up at a gun show. I'm wondering if it needs to go back to S&W for a check-up.

I've found a few threads on other forums but wondering if anyone else has experienced this.

One thing I always look for with a new gun (or any gun) is how deep of an impression the hammer or striker makes on the primer. Have you checked several of the spent rounds to see? Are they consistent?

Try it with factory ammo and you will most likely find the answer to your problem.

I have a 642 and have never had a problem... only about 600 rounds through it though, and they were all factory ammo.

I used to have a 642. I sold it to Fickman in lightly used condition, but I don't recall ever experiencing any light strikes. The total round count though the gun was certainly not more than 150, and probably closer to only 100 or so, so that's not a very large spread from which to sample.

I had a 686 that had a similar problem, but it was more like 5 out of 6 light strikes. Long story short, it went back to S&W, and was fixed (quickly) with no questions. Never had an issue again, and the member I sold it to says it works fine too.

I suppose it could be the ammo because all the primers looked plenty dented to me. But I found a few other threads on other forums of j-frames with light strike issues. Most have gone to S&W and had their spring tension fixed. I may end up going that route but first I'll try another 50 rounds of factory ammo.