[popeye]

Either the return spring is broken or not in place (bought it used). I really don't care that it "free floats" in it's channel. I don't depend on indicators. Is it unsafe from a functionality standpoint? It can't fall out.

[Drifting Fate]

It shouldn't matter as long as it can't get jammed forward.

Still, best to have everything in functioning order. The parts might take a bit of time to order, but the actuall fix should take a qualified gunsmith only a few minutes.

At the least, burn a few hundred rounds through it.

[jc2]

I would at least pull it out (pay attention to how the spring fits)--there's always a chance a broken/nonfuntioning part could cause a malfunction. It is a rather simple matter to remove and replace it (and it's safe to shoot with it removed though I really wouldn't advise--you have a hole straight through the breech face and slide pointed at your eye). S&W will send you a replacement--they are not expensive.

[popeye]

Drifting Fate...... jc2, Thanks for advice. I think I'll take a look a having it fixed. From blowup parts photos I've seen It looks like pin slamming back n forth in it's channel could result in failure, with pin flying back at me. I think Murphy's law applies. Thanks again.

[jc2]

I did mine myself--the only tricky part is getting the firing pin back in, but it's doable.