I have been shooting Smith and Wesson revolvers for over 30 years. I have never, until recently, heard of one breaking off like that. I have heard about, though never seen, the non pinned versions occassionally unscrewing themselves, but, nothing like this.

Really, its one of the most simple parts of a revolver. Its a screw and a thread...they got it right for over 100 years and now, its a part that has problems? Really? How does that happen?