How do you remove the frame mounted firing pin in a S&W 642?

[Bruce H.]

I have a S&W model 642 with a frame-mounted firing pin that sometimes give me light strikes. I have found that Cylinder and Slide sells a longer firing pin for S&W revolvers. How is the firing pin held in place in the frame of the model 642. I know that I will have to remove the side plate, hammer, etc. Is the firing pin held in place by a roll pin, a screw or something else?

 

[machinisttx]

It's easy to replace. If you have never removed a sideplate from a S&W, have a look at the link below for information on how to do it. You shouldn't need to remove the hammer, but I would relieve tension on the mainspring before removing the sideplate. This is easily accomplished by removing the grips and then cocking the hammer/squeezing the trigger until a small hole in the hammer strut appears below the spring retainer. Insert a paperclip into that hole and then lower the hammer--no more mainspring tension.

Here is the link for info on removing the sideplate.

And here is a picture of the firing pin retainer. The small pin that is circled is all that holds the firing pin in place. Push forward slightly on the firing pin, and then lift the retaining pin out.

 

[Bruce H.]

That you very much Machinisttx. It doesn't look difficult at all.

 

[rcmodel]

DO NOT pry off the side-plate.

To remove, take out the screws, and keep them in order where they came out.

Hold the gun loosely in your left hand and rap the right side of the grip frame with a wood hammer handle or plastic screwdriver handle.

Inertia will pop the side-plate loose from it's tightly fitted recess without damaging it.

Oh, and be ready to catch it when it comes out!

rcmodel

 

[JCUMM2]

Trigger Job by Jerry Miculek - GunVideo.com
This is an excellent video which shows in detail how to disassemble, tune up, and then reassemble S&W revolvers.