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Old 02-14-2019, 12:51 AM
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Model 36 flat latch thumb piece and bolt Model 36 flat latch thumb piece and bolt Model 36 flat latch thumb piece and bolt Model 36 flat latch thumb piece and bolt Model 36 flat latch thumb piece and bolt  
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Default Model 36 flat latch thumb piece and bolt

I have a model 36 no dash flat latch. I don’t really like the way the flat latch feels. Is it possible to swap the bolt and thumb piece to the standard type, say from a 36-1 or other j frame? I don’t really want to sell it or trade it. I know that makes sense but I can get the bolt and thumb piece for 25-30 bucks. And put it back anytime I wanted too. And if I didn’t like it I’m only out a little bit of money. It would be cheaper than any shipping or transfer fees. So would parts from any j frame from around the same time period work? Is the bolt a fitted item or drop in? I don’t see any reason it wouldn’t fit.
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Old 02-14-2019, 03:09 AM
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While I do own a fair amount of both Flat Latch and Traditional Latch Chief's I've never attempted to swap the parts. It's been a few years since I've popped the Side-plate on a Flat Latch but don't think there is any reason they would not swap out. You might have to change the Bolt as well (screw vs nut).

Hey - give it a shot and see. Not a big deal taking a J Frame apart as long as you are familiar with doing so.
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Old 02-16-2019, 12:08 AM
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If you can disassemble a S&W hand ejector, the swap is a cake walk. I swapped several and they have all been drop ins.

You need three parts: the standard latch, the threaded cap, and the lock bolt. Beware of the tiny plunger and spring in the rear end of the lock bolt when removing. You don't want to be hunting all over the floor if it launches when removed. You can remove/reinstall it with the gun in a 1 gallon size Zip Lock bag to be safe.

You can use the parts from any caliber I frame between 1948 and 1953 or even pre war I frame, before they began the flat latch ~ 1953 or any J frame after 1966 when the flat latch was discontinued.

There’s a couple styles used over the years.

I like the panache of the pre war ‘double pinch’ countour milled under top and bottom of the thumb pad:

My 30-1 J frame 32 S&W Long:


Photo by RKmesa



2nd style used, and first ‘new design' post war style thumb piece, still has the double 'pinch' but without relief cuts under checkered pad. Same as made for the Classic Series much more recently:




The 3rd style used (2nd new post war style) was a single 'pinch' in front of the screw hole like a #1 & 2 but from the center of the screw to the rear it's like the post 1966 regular style. Only seen on I frames:

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Old 02-16-2019, 01:04 AM
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Awesome. Thank you Jim for the complete explanation. I’ve had many hand ejectors apart. Even my 1899 which is a bit harder to get the rebound spring out of. I’m gonna order the bolt and thumb piece tonight. I thought it would most likely drop in. Thank you again.
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