Uh-oh...what is this thing?

B

BarkSlayer

New member
So I'm watching the Packers/Steelers game while dry firing my Smith 442 with a full cylinder of brand new snap caps. Something didn't feel quite right so I opened the cylinder and this small part fell out. What is it and where did it come from? Everything works and feels fine again now without this small part. :mad:
 

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This is a "no-lock" model 442 as in no safety lock on the left side above the cylinder release, and the cylinder locks up perfectly with respect to timing, etc.
 
"looks like your cylinder lock, cock it and see if the cylinder spins"
He was referring to the one in the bottom of the frame that aligns the cylinder with the barrel.
 
That is the cylinder locking bolt. It locks the front of the center pin to the little lug under the barrel.

If that is no longer in its home, you should also be looking for a small spring and a tiny retaining pin. (They may still be in the hole.)
 
"...any guess as to why it fell out?"

Both live and dry firing set up vibrations in a gun which can shake things loose. Now, I have fired a lot of rounds through S&W revolvers and dry fired at least as many more, but I never had the locking bolt pin fall out (or not be put in at the factory), but it obviously it did happen at least this once.

If the gun is new, you might want to return it to the dealer or even to S&W just to make them aware that they goofed. If you bought the gun used, the previous owner may have messed with it; some folks like to remove all the parts, even the smallest, lose some of them, and then trade the gun. I guess they get their kicks that way.

If you want to try a fix yourself, check www.gunpartscorp.com for the parts - locking bolt spring and locking bolt pin.

Jim
 
That the extractor/ejector rod lock

It is supposed to have a coil spring behind it and it goes into the end of your rod when you close the revolver. If you look at the side of your barrel you will see where the retaining pin (very small) has fallen out and that let your lock fall out when you opened the cylinder.
 
Looks like part number 31:

http://www.brownells.com/schematics/Smith-Wesson-/J-Frame-42-442-sid476.aspx
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It is part #31. But he needs p/n #32 and #33, which apparently have been lost unless the OP can find them. I would get a new pin even if it can be found as it might be too small (again possibly due to someone playing around, losing the pin and replacing it with one that is too small).

Jim
 
S&W will send you a new spring and pin. The pin is a fitted part and about double the length it needs to be. You can cut it with a pair of needle nose pliers and dress up the end with a file...or send the gun in and wait for them to do it. I opted for the former. I found the nub and the spring on my car's floor mat. I had the same "what on earth is that?" moment when I saw it.
 
Excellent info and advice, guys. I really appreciate it. I bought this 442 just a week ago from a retired LEO who had two identical BNIB model 442 Smiths. Neither had ever been fired outside of the factory. He brought them to the sale, let me examine both and gave me pick of the lot. Couldn't have asked for a nicer guy or a more fair transaction. I'm thinking this one is on Smith & Wesson, so I'll let them fix it.
 
Since the OP found only the locking bolt, I assume the other two parts are lost. But I would not replace that pin with the one that came out, even if it could be found. Pins are generally a press or drive fit and it would be best not to reuse one if a new one is available.

Jim
 
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