Hammer firing pin replacement

[Strab]

Not sure if that is the right terminology...anyway. I just bought a "shooter" S&W model 19-3. Did the revolver check and everything is very tight.

Only one thing concerns me: the firing pin (which is actually an insert into the hammer) is a little loose and can rock up and down about 2mm. Logic tells me that this could lead to potential misfires simply from the darn thing missing the hole when the hammer falls.

Anyone have any idea if this tiny item can be replaced, or if the whole hammer needs to be replaced? And if so, whichever I can do, how much it should cost me?

I am in southern California, BTW - the land where everything gun related is super expensive, so if this is a repair that a competent beginner can do on his own, I would love to give it a try.

Thanks

 

[Harbinger]

Don't listen to this Logic guy.
It's supposed to be like that.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Anyone have any idea if this tiny item can be replaced, or if the whole hammer needs to be replaced? And if so, whichever I can do, how much it should cost me?

Yes, you can replace a firing pin yourself, and no, you shouldn't: it's supposed to have a bit of play.

 

[Strab]

Don't listen to this Logic guy.
It's supposed to be like that.

LOL - thanks for the advise!

 

[VictorLouis]

With the gun properly UNLOADED....

AND pointed in a safe direction....


Cock the hammer and look into there from the rear, right where the firing-pin pokes through.

You'll see cresent-shaped cut both above and below the pin hole. That acts as a channel to guide the pin through where it belongs. SOME hammer-noses have a spring in there. You'll feel it when you attempt to wiggle the nose. SOME do not, and it's no biggie.

 

[Jim K]

Open the cylinder and look at the recoil shield from the side while you manually move the hammer in and out, and you will see that the firing pin moves straight in and out. That is because it is loose in the hammer. If it were fixed, it would strike the primer with a downward motion and the firing pin hole would have to be oblong.

Jim