Took my no-lock 442 out to shoot today. Note, it has less then 100 rounds through it. Well, 20 rounds into my shooting. As I am opening the cylinder I feel something hit my hand. I look down in the mud and see the little detent pin thing, that presses against the spent shell ejector rod. (sorry, don't know the technical terms for them).

Anyway, the little tiny pin that holds it together had walked out while shooting. When I opened the cylinder, the spring detent and pin fell into the mud. Anyone ever have this happen? Does this pin just float around in there? Is there a way to secure the little pin that holds things together, so this won't happen again?

It doesn't instill much confidence in a carry gun. It was a good time for about 20 rounds,,,

Wasn't a total waste though. I had my Trail Boss with me. I'm amazed I can hit at 120 yds with a 3" barrel.

I just sent my Bodyguard 38 in for repair after about a month since new. The gun totally locked up.

Is S&W having quality assurance issues?

Edmo

I have seen that pin walk before. I take the pin out, and put a slight bend in it the reinstall.

Unfortunately, it does happen sometimes. Those pins can shoot loose when new. You can either do like allglock mentioned or peen one end JUST A BIT and reinstall, unpeened end first.

Or you can send it back to the factory and they will fix it.

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Centennial Every Day

I had one walk out on a M642, a gun which was fired today and I actually forgot to keep an eye on the pin while I had it outside. The last couple of range sessions it tried walkin' out again, not much, but enough that I had to drive it back in about a month ago.

Well, I'll know if it stayed put in just a little while since it's a "gun cleanin' night."

Edited to add: It looks as if my pin issue may be put to rest once & for all. It held as it should have with no "walking" seen.

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Ogy

I had the same issue with my 442 about 5 years ago. Completely locked up for seemingly no reason. S&W fixed for free and had it back in a week or two if I remember correctly. When I got it back there was a red plastic ring in the cylinder they said to use if ever dry firing. They said dry fire was not recommended. I was new at the time and didn't know about snap caps. In 5 years haven't had a problem since.

Thanks, I'll peen the end of the pin and put it back together. See what happens,,,


Why doesn't S&W put pins in that don't walk out?

Good question.....that is a good place to use a roll pin.

Take a small punch and put 2 small ding on it on a 180 then put it in that should do it. Good luck

Was at the Range last week with my 442, got home to clean my guns and BOOM spring and everything went flyin, no little pin, lost and gone. But I called S&W and they are sending me 2x the parts so it dose not happen again. A++!

Sent my cracked frame 442 (cracked under the barrel- they all do) to S&W 5 weeks ago. Got a call in a week saying S&W would replace it. Not hearing anything, I called S&W and was told it will take 2 to 5 months to replace it. Just so you know.

I pulled the side plate of my 642 off last week and the pin that holds the firing pin in place came out. I simply replaced it when I was done cleaning and lubing and put it back together.

Things happen. Fix 'em if you can or let Smith fix 'em if you can't.

I had the same thing happen on my 442. I cleaned the pin and the underlug with denatured alcohol and used blue thread lock and it has been fine. As far as the pin the holds the firing pin that is supposed to come out and is held in place with the side plate installed. The ejection rod pin is not supposed to move and I wish I had the good advice that you have here. I like the idea of peening the end of the pin.

I just checked my 442 to see if it had any signs of it. 100 rounds down range so far; 25 of which were +P. No sign of my pin walking. Good to know what issues others are having; also good to let you know that not all 442s that get used regularly are doing it--so it's not normal.

I just checked my 442 and the detent rod pin is starting to walk out. Around 200 rounds out of this one so far. Think I'm going to take it to a local gunsmith and let him pound it back in. I don't have a punch fine enough for it nor a way to support the barrel.