So I got a new to me (lightly used) Smith 642 in today and it looks fine except the cylinder release button is loose in all directions. I assume I just tighten the screw inside the button to rectify? How tight should I go and will there still be some play as a norm? Can’t remember with my 638 as it is not here with me.
There should be no play between the screw and the button. BUT...you will feel play between the button and sideplate. Perfectly normal.
Go snug with a normal grip, but don't torque it. It's not a normal screw. It's a hollow cap, threaded inside for the 'male' portion that prodtrudes from the inside.
^^^^^excellent advice thanks! Good to know as I may have been inclined to overtighten trying to get rid of the play. I’ll just concentrate on securing the screw itself.
Edited to add: Followed the instructions and it worked thanks. Now to live fire and test it out. If it loosens again then would you blue loctite it?This message has been edited. Last edited by: LincolnSixEcho,
My 642 had the same thing happen a couple hundred rounds back - thus far, just a retightening with a screwdriver (no Loctite at this stage) has kept the part in its place. I do check it every so often - no further issues to date.
"The sea was angry that day, my friends - like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli." - George Costanza
I was jogging with mine last year and the screw fell out and bounced out of my pocket and got lost somewhere on the road. The button stayed in my pocket. I called Smith, and they sent me another one, but they were backordered so there was no telling how long it would take (ended up being several months). A very gracious member here had a spare and sent it to me. I blue loctited it and have had no problems since.
Posts: 9460 | Location: In the Cornfields | Registered: May 25, 2006
Try using Vibra-tite - its what a lot of the optics mount people are suggesting. It needs to have about 30 minutes to cure on the screw prior to putting the screw in place, but the screw/thread locker can be reused.
As for J-Frames, they are an unsung hero in the CCW world. They are carried by lots of people, who generally can't afford a semi, or just don't want to deal with a semi auto pistol.
I have two I carry when I need something to slip in a pocket. They are still an utterly reliable system, and can deal with most issues for civilian CCW.
I also received some sage advice back in the day when I bought my first off-duty gun. At the time there were basically two choices for a small carry gun: a J-frame, or a Walther PPKS. (The Walther at the time was what all the "cool kids" were buying. I opted for a newly re-issued S&W 640 .38 Special. The guy at the counter (also a retired officer) said its got five shots...it's enough to get you out of trouble, but not so much that you get yourself into trouble..."This message has been edited. Last edited by: bcjwriter,
Posts: 1977 | Location: Southern CA | Registered: July 27, 2008
That Vibra tite sounds interesting. Sort of like contact cement, but hopefully without the huge mess, LOL. However, staying on top of it each range session should be enough.
