Two dumb questions...actually. First - can you order replacement parts directly from S&W? Their website doesn't say anything about it. And secondly, what is the exact terminology for the small pin that retains the floating firing pin in place? Mine went "ballistic" when I was trying to remove it with a tweezers. It either sprung out from between the tweezers, or surprised me with how easily it popped out and I flung it somewhere in my basement

Thanks for any advice.

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Smith. And Wesson. And Me!

You can get parts that are not considered a factory fitting. Look at a schematic to see what part you need cause they will not send you a gizmo or gadget… be knowledgeable because they use part numbers. Of course, they may as you why you were taking it apart in the first place... Give customer service a call and go from there.

Yes, can order from S&W also Brownells

Thanks you two. Ken - I was attempting to replace a broken firing pin with a replacement that S&W had sent me...so I'm pretty sure the "firing pin retaining pin" which I guess it's called...doesn't require factory fitting. Problem is, I can't find any schematics with part numbers.

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Smith. And Wesson. And Me!

Brownell's and Numrich (gunpartscorp.com) both have extensive schematics for many types of firearms. These schematics are invaluable for identifying correct part names and factory part numbers.

Accurate part names are necessary for ordering replacement parts, but they are also important for asking advice on forums like this one. I always take a question more seriously if the person asking has taken the time to learn the correct part names. Sometimes it does take a while to identify the correct part on a schematic, but that time is just another part of the problem solving challenge.

In some cases, you may find that the correct part name is not the name in common usage, and is in fact confusing. In those cases, you can state which schematic you used and ask for further guidance.

I really cannot overstate the value of schematics. Time spent reviewing the schematics for firearms you intend to work on is time well spent.

218140000 Smith & Wesson New J, K, N Frame Many Models Firing Pin Retainer Pin | eBay

False alarm and a whole lotta nothin. I just got off of the phone with S&W customer service, they're sending me one for free. Seems I had the name right, and I didn't need any parts numbers. If anyone should need to order a spare part like I did...the most agonizing part is navigating the many phone options as you get transferred around. Push all the right options though and they take care of you quickly.

EDIT: Thanks RMFnLA...good catch.

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Smith. And Wesson. And Me!

I know how to find that lost part. Find a place that has them in stock.
Order not one but 3 replacement parts , that way you will have a spare.
While waiting for them to arrive ...Go into the basement to do something, but don't look for that pin....
Guess what you will find , lying out in plain sight.... Yeah, the pin.
Happens to me every time !
Gary

LOL gwpercle my tactic is different - spend hours on hands and knees unsuccessfully searching for it, then go to the trouble of ordering one, then go straight downstairs and you'll find it right away.

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Smith. And Wesson. And Me!

Provide your gun model info and someone will provide your part number.

Thanks Ken...problem has been solved. But this thread got me to thinking...if anyone here wanted to put together a REVOLVER spare parts kit to have on hand in case of emergency...or doomsday scenario...which parts are vital? Which small parts are most likely to break, wear out etc? Right off the bat I'd say firing pin, fp retaining pin and spring....and maybe a mainspring.

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Smith. And Wesson. And Me!

Also from Numrich......

FWIW, using a flashlight at an angle to the floor will cause the part to cast a shadow, making it easier to find.

For next time...

I have used a fair sized magnet while crawling around on the floor of my shop a few times. Especially when replacing the rear sight blade the first time. Awfully little parts.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Firing pin/hammer nose, maybe. And the retaining pin, I suppose, as you discovered. Although I've never seen a broken hammer nose. Never saw a broken/worn out main spring, either. They only get better with the passing decades, unless bent by a bubba. I would say you may be more likely to need the tiny launchable springs like the ones that hold the double action sear, the cylinder stop, or the rebound spring, although it is a hundred times bigger; its just more likely to have been shortened in a failed effort at a "trigger job." Also, good to have on hand a supply of main spring set screws (is that even the right name ?) and side plate screws in the finishes you favor. If you are getting into much older or much fired revolvers, maybe a hand or two, but these generally require some fine touch fitting, I am told. Brownells and Numrich are your friends. So is S&W for that matter. I've had similar great responses when inquiring about minor parts, if they still have them in stock.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

Thanks everyone. Peak53 that is a good list and I'll consult it when putting together a spare parts kit. RMFnLA yep I tried that and spent quite a bit of time in the dark with an LED light shining it over all sorts of surfaces. And H Richard yes I was even thinking about the magnet trick but, after disassembling my entire loading bench area, I soon came to the conclusion that it would be easier to order one. I may eventually find it, but it is mighty small and could hide just about anywhere. One good thing has come out of this...I'm going to tidy up my loading bench and make it into a workspace where things won't get knocked over and where things are easier to find.

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Smith. And Wesson. And Me!

The first thing to buy is one gallon size zip lock bags.

Always disassemble/assemble springs and small parts inside the bag.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Now that is a GREAT idea!!!! Thanks.

check around for a junked incubator, makes great disassembly containment device.

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Bob P.

Yes, all good ideas when working on many kinds of firearms. In my case, I don't think the retaining pin came shooting out. It was more of a case of it coming out too suddenly and easily...combined with the fact that my tweezers were bare metal and the pin slipped out of the tweezers under pressure. I think that in the future I will seek out rubber coated tweezers, or else maybe wrap a piece of electrical tape on them so it is not metal on metal.

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Smith. And Wesson. And Me!

So you kind of 'fired' it off into another zip code. But there are several parts on that gun that can launch themselves.

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Jim
S&WCA #819