Jframe firing pin question

[sarge83]

I recently replaced the spring on my S&W 642. The only part I removed was the part that holds the rebound spring. I replaced the spring and did no polishing. I also replaced the hammer spring.

The trigger improved greatly, but upon dry firing it worked great until I changed the angle of the gun when firing, then it locked up. Upon taking the side plate off I found the firing pin had fallen out of place and had jammed up the works. It only happens when you fire the gun in position where you hold the revolver upward, say you were shooting up in a tree for example. Any ideals?

 

[earplug]

The firing pin retaining pin feel out of its hole while you were working.

 

[Beancounter81]

Yep - check the retaining pin for the firing pin. Only way the firing pin can come out is if the retaining pin is out.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

Look around on the floor.
You lost the pin that holds the pin in.

Also, make sure you didn't lose the firing pin retractor spring too.

rc

 

[sarge83]

Ah ha! A pin, spring is there will check for pin, thanks!

 

[sarge83]

Well right in the middle of changing the springs the power went out and I ended up reassembling by flashlight.

 

[Racinbob]

Get a magnet! Even though I knew better I still let the little plunger on the windage micro click adjustment (S&W) screw go sailing. Behind the computer I figured. Got my little extending magnet thingy out and went probing. Couldn't see the darn thing but I heard a little 'tink'. GOT IT! The moral....bad eyes, good hearing still.