How difficult is it to replace the firing pin on a 686-6? All the catalogs I've seen advise it be done by a qualified gunsmith. I have a manual written by Jerry Kuhnhausen but it doesn't mention the in frame firing pins. I don't have a broken firing pin -- I'm only getting few part together just in case...

The in-frame firing pins are not difficult to replace, just remove sideplate, pull out the retaining pin (needlenose pliers), remove firing pin, (watch out for the spring), replace firing pin, and retaining pin, install sideplate.

Thank you. That is what the procedure looked like to me but I wasn't sure.

Where can one find a firing pin retaining pin for a 686-4?

This should work if its a frame mounted pin

Firing Pin Retainer Pin S&W 10-11 13-5 14-7 15-8 19-8 29-7 36-9 38-3 42-1 49-3 60-9 66-5 67-4 317 325PD 329PD 337 340 340PD 351PD 360 360PD 386 386PD 431PD...

its out of stock at brownells

FIRING PIN RETAINING PIN, FOR FRAME MOUNTED FIRING PIN - Brownells

If its the hammer nose rivet you might be SOL in terms of factory its discontinued

The hammer nose rivet is available from Numrich. I just received a new (replacement) hammer nose and rivet for my Mod. 10 (I have always stockpiled a few critical parts for each of my guns, too - to be sure I can keep them in working order). The rivet from Numrich is NEW - not a used part.

Good information, thanks. I have a few K frames with the pinging pin on the hammer and I wondered about replacement parts.

"The rivet from Numrich is NEW - not a used part."

It better be. You have to drill out the old one to remove it from the hammer.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

You can use a punch to drive out the old rivet and it can be reused.