Hi,
My dust cover pin lost whatever mechanism retained it. Now when I shoot, the pin will come out of the front hole and the dust cover comes loose. Do I just need a new pin? Not sure how it got that way. Pretty new rifle maybe only 150 rounds through it.
Call customer service. If you bought it used, get online and look at an "Exploded View", that will tell you the correct name and/or part number for the gun. then order one (or two)
The pin is retained by a tiny spring clamp, the pin is groved to accept it. Call S&W service (have the SN) and they will send you a couple.
Replace the pin from the rear, be careful to get the door tension spring in right and then place the clamp with a very fine needle nose.
Geoff
Who notes there are several upper assembly vids on youtube.com
I have not had mine apart, but it appears that on the front of the pin (barrel end), it has a "C" or an "E" clip..
the reason the clip is on the Front, is because that spring loaded Ring that holds the stock rail in, stops the pin from sliding forward enough to come loose etc..
Thanks for the responses everyone. I did buy the rifle new a few months ago. I'll contact customer support and see if they can send me that small c clip.
If you know the right size you can buy c-clips or e-clips on Amazon for cheap. You can get 10-20 at a time which is good if you're like me and you like to make those clips jump into a parallel universe. Or you can put a gallon size baggie over the area you're working so you won't lose those tiny little...