Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 08-14-2012, 09:14 AM
idarbc idarbc is offline
Member
625 JM - minor issue 625 JM - minor issue 625 JM - minor issue 625 JM - minor issue 625 JM - minor issue  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Central Virginia
Posts: 36
Likes: 4
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Default 625 JM - minor issue

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem. I purchased a 625 JM about two months ago and to say I'm pleased with it is a huge understatement. I have about 600 rounds through it now and after the last 2 range sessions I found several screws backed out almost to the point of falling out. One was on the thumbpiece and the other was the rear sight leaf. Is this fairly common? Thoughts on using locktite?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 08-14-2012, 12:41 PM
Dale53 Dale53 is offline
Member
625 JM - minor issue 625 JM - minor issue  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Southwestern Ohio
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 209
Liked 1,195 Times in 457 Posts
Default

I would NOT use lock-tite. Those screws are small. Just tighten them up and you should be "good to go".

I have a couple of 625's (my most shot revolvers) and I haven't had any problems with the screws loosening. One thing all Smith's are prone to is the ejector rod loosening. You DO want to keep an eye on that. Just check it from time to time (I check mine every time I clean it). Other than that, it shouldn't be a recurring problem. They were probably not tightened enough from the factory. Do not over do it - just snug them up with a screw driver that FITS. I use replaceable tip screw drivers and am particular about good screw driver fit to avoid marring the screw heads.

FWIW
Dale53
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 08-14-2012, 06:16 PM
scooter123 scooter123 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Metro Detroit, Michigan
Posts: 6,919
Likes: 179
Liked 4,294 Times in 2,106 Posts
Default

Dale is correct, you do NOT need to use locktite on a S&W revolver. Smith & Wesson uses a very fine pitch thread SPECIFICALLY because fine pitch threads are more resistant to "shooting loose".

Unfortnuately, they don't seem to be using Torque Setting screwdrivers. BTW, these special screwdrivers can cost in excess of 50 dollars each so it may be evidence of some misplaced "penny pinching". The Automotive Industry has learned the cost of screws coming loose can far exceed the cost of equipping assembly workers with these expensive tools so they are quite common on automotive assembly lines. However, they seem to be missing in action at Smith & Wesson. As a result it's not the least bit uncommon to find screws shooting loose. All that indicates is that the screws weren't properly tightened at the factory, it does not indicate any need for locktite.

What you should do is purchase a set of fitted gunsmithing screwdrivers and learn how to properly tighten the screws on your revolvers. BTW, I take a less is more approach, meaning I will gradually increase the tightness of a specific screw until it just stops shooting loose and stop there. That way I don't end up with screws that are overtightened but I also don't have problems with screws shooting loose. Once you been through the screw snugging exercise often enough you'll develop a "feel" for how much to tighten a specific screw and won't have any issues with them shooting loose. However, I can't emphacize enough that you need to take the time to develop that "feel" and resist the urge to tighten a screw until it either breaks or jams.

Final note on the Ejector rod. Just like the screws this part won't shoot loose if it's been properly tightened. In addition the threads for the ejector rod require a good bit of "feel" in order to get the thread started without cross threading it. Because of this I feel that it is extremely foolish to use locktite on an ejector rod. You'll only create a future headache for yourself or a real hassle for a future owner. A much better solution is to learn how to properly tighten it and develop the "feel" required to do it.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 08-14-2012, 09:59 PM
idarbc idarbc is offline
Member
625 JM - minor issue 625 JM - minor issue 625 JM - minor issue 625 JM - minor issue 625 JM - minor issue  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Central Virginia
Posts: 36
Likes: 4
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Thanks for the feedback guys!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 08-14-2012, 10:51 PM
shadowrider shadowrider is offline
Member
625 JM - minor issue 625 JM - minor issue 625 JM - minor issue 625 JM - minor issue 625 JM - minor issue  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Central Oklahoma
Posts: 117
Likes: 12
Liked 17 Times in 7 Posts
Default

I use BLUE locktite and a torque screwdriver. If you shoot much every screw in the gun wants to back out. Okay that's an exaggeration, I've not had the rear site back off, but all of the action screws and the strain screws are notorious for backing off and I'm on my 3rd 625. They all did it as do my K and L frames. I shoot probaly 1000 rounds per month when I get to go to matches. Be careful and don't over torque the screws. It's easy to do!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Another minor issue with SW22 Victory NH Old School Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 70 04-09-2017 11:22 PM
Minor .32-20 issue. Plain Old Dave S&W-Smithing 4 04-05-2015 11:43 AM
M&P .22 Pistol - Minor Issue: Pin Backing Out shlike Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 9 03-11-2014 05:48 PM
First minor issue Hunter5 Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 5 06-23-2013 09:31 PM
minor issue with 41 84CJ Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 4 05-20-2009 11:22 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:14 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)