Olde S&W question - pins 'n stuff

[Hawk]

OK, so I start looking at revolvers due mostly to this forum and the (virtual - digital) hand-holding of Old Fuff and Mr. March.

All goes well through a 57-3, a 640 and a Detective Special - OK, the last isn't a S&W but the lock-up was great and it was cheap.

Anyhow, I go for a "marginal": a 686 - 6" not as tight as the others but seems servicable. There's a pin (too small to photograph) in the underlug immediately downstream of the ejector rod latch - presumably to keep it from falling out.

Said pin projects from the left and is somewhat below flush from the right - in a manner quite unlike the 57-3 which is symetrical, pin-wise. I assume it got shot loose and unlimber the drift set and brass hammer. No joy - it doesn't budge. The projection / recess likely doesn't exceed 3/64".

Is this something it's safe to just "get over and get on with life"? It's obviously not going anywhere, or does it indicate something that needs fixed?

 

[Old Fuff]

So the bug bit ya' did it...

Since you are getting more involved you need to get set up better. Start by going to Brownells at www.brownells.com

First off, order a copy of their latest print catalog. Within it you'll find just about everything you might need. After the catalog you'll need the following at a minimum:

#924-100-001 A book: The S&W Revolver -A shop Manual, by Jerry Kuhnhausen. Ignorence is not bliss.

#80-620-306 A set of cup-pointed puches (They won't slip off of a round-headed pin and mar the metal around it).

#080-088-003 A screwdriver set, with replaceable bits ground to fit S&W revolver screws.

This is by no means everything that you may find that you want, but it will get you started, and you can then determine what direction you want too go.

As for the current problem with the locking bolt crosspin. You are correct in thinking it should be the same on both sides. The correct cup-pointed drift and a ball-peen hammer should set it where it should be without marking up the barrel. Be sure the revolver is well supported on a padded surface.

And if you got a Detective Special that was in good shape, and got it cheap, I'm green with envy.

 

[Hawk]

Thanks, Fuff.

Just got done learning my lesson with punch types. Little ouchie. Oh well, best to learn on a relative beater. I was looking for an excuse to send something to Grant Cunningham anyway. Perhaps after I'm done "going to school" I'll do something about it - it's microscopic and I can control my OCD with the proper medication. I'll bet the pin was always asymetrical - it just isn't going anywhere.

Brownell's and I are already on a first name basis from the 1911 "projects". I'll get the Kuhnhausen manuals soonest and the items you describe.

Detective Special: couldn't even find much of turn line.

FWIW, you were right on the 57-3: both it and the 640 had been insufficiently excercised before my arrival. I am addressing the matter presently. Between cranking counterclockwise to the extent I dared, a couple hundred rounds and giving the ejector a lick or two with a file, the 640 has become buttery smooth

"Bit by the the bug" indeed. You're a bad influence.
Thanks!

 

[Old Fuff]

I see no reason the 686 should be considered a "relative beater." It takes very little to restore one that's loosened up a bit to the tightness you'd like to expect.

Sending a gun to Grant Cunningham is never a mistake, and if the revolver in question is the 686 I suspect he'd center the pin for free.

I looked at that badly worn Detective Special... And you call me a bad influence...

 

[Hawk]

Old Fuff, what have you wrought?

Just got back from the range where that 686 shot the best 18 round group I have ever done off-hand. Actually, it was better than any 5 round group I can recall. Certainly nothing that would impress those around here, but it had me nearly giggling like a schoolgirl.

I guess that means I'm now disinclined to do anything with it other than shoot it for a while. It can wear the idiot mark (I have something similar on my 1911s), the hangin'-out pin and stay loose - it obviously doesn't suffer thereby.

If there was any doubt, it's gone now - the bug has bitten.

I'm still buying the book and parts but I'll wait to do any cosmetic work - it's now my "lucky" gun. Rather like some athletes have smelly old "lucky socks" I have a visually impaired "lucky gun".

 

[Walkalong]

I recently purchased a 686 no dash and it too is very accurate. I was pleasently suprised and very impressed with it.

I have been in a Revolver mood lately.

 

[billhilly66]

oops, wrong thread

 

[Old Fuff]

I'm still buying the book and parts (tools) but I'll wait to do any cosmetic work.

Good. Those are basic to doing regular service work on S&W revolvers, not actual 'smithing.

- it's now my "lucky" gun.

I find that a lot of older S&W revolver owners say that.