Mysterious problem with an M-52

M-52 with occasional very stiff trigger pull:

I asked my relative what the problem is with his S&W M-52.  Here's his description:

The 52.  Ayyyyyy.  I cleaned it, put it together, and have the same issue.  I pulled the hammer back and tried to fire it a number of times.  Every now and then it fired like it ought to, but quickly reverted back to the issue.  What is the issue?  The trigger pull goes from about 2 #’s as it is designed for to about 4 #’s … and worse … to what feels like 9 #’s.  The pattern is not consistent.  I gripped the gun and put my thumb on the slide stop and the next 5 trigger pulls, all went well … but then on the 6^th … it went back to extra heavy.

I do not get it … and to say I am frustrated is beyond gun talk.  I can’t figure out what causes this as I have never had this issue before.  I thought maybe some crud got into a place it ought not … but I can’t find any buildup

I expect to be with him next weekend.  Any advice on what to look for?  If it's in the trigger mechanism, is this something we can correct on our own, or is that something to be left for a good gunsmith?  My guess is that something is binding.

It is most likely the adjustable trigger stop screw.
Over time and use it will need to be backed out some to compensate for wear.
Take off a grip panel and find an allen key wrench that will fit and turn it counter clockwise about 1/2 turn.
Take it out and see if the issue goes away.

Hope this helps.
Clarence

I was having the exact same problem this Friday with my Ruger 22/45 MKIII and it was exactly as Clarence described above ... the trigger stop screw worked its way deeper.  A turn out and all was well.

Victor

That sounds very plausible.  I already passed on the message.  I expect to be with him next weekend, and if he hasn't tried it, I will.  

(I assume it's a standard, American size, Allen set screw - right?  If it's something special, I'll buy the tool ahead of time.  I assume that we should NOT use any Loctite on the threads, right?)

Clarence - my brother is thrilled!  You were exactly right.  Problem solved!!!!

"I don’t know who wrote the message you just sent me, but please give him a big “THANK YOU!” for me
I only turned the screw ¼ turn, figuring little increments are better than too much … and low and behold, it worked!!!!
I learned something, and have him to thank for it … and now I can get back to enjoying the gun"

mikemyers wrote:Clarence - my brother is thrilled!  You were exactly right.  Problem solved!!!!

"I don’t know who wrote the message you just sent me, but please give him a big “THANK YOU!” for me
I only turned the screw ¼ turn, figuring little increments are better than too much … and low and behold, it worked!!!!
I learned something, and have him to thank for it … and now I can get back to enjoying the gun"

Mike, just tell him "you're welcome".

As far as the M52 for bullseye, it has it's issues like any other pistol.
After you shoot one for awhile you get to know and understand how they function.
As far as not being a top performer for BE for what ever reason, look at my signature line.
Pretty decent score for CF and I am not that good of a shot.

Clarence