Parts Kits for 3rd Gen's?

[kbm6893]

My meager 3rd gen collection has grown a bit and I figure it couldn't hurt to have some parts lying around. I know I can get spring kits from Wolff. Any place that sells other parts that could conceivably need to be replaced? I have three double stack 9MM's and a 4566. Thanks.

[armorer951]

The usual places...... Smith and Wesson, Midway, Brownells, and Numrich, MGW, USA Guns and Gear, Ebay.

Our Forum members can also be a great source for parts.

[prochi2k]

Numrich or Brownells is where I usually get parts for my 3rd gen S&Ws. I also brows ebay for used parts when needed. I've only needed one extractor changed but I always get new recoil springs for every used 3rd gen S&W I've owned.

[4T5GUY]

Get some more 3rd Gens, buy some complete top ends when you find them for a good price. Most “beat” 3rd Gens are usually just cosmetically challenged and internally they are in great shape. No box or docs, no problem.
If you have a few examples of “like” pistols, (single/double stack, full size/compact,) you will ALWAYS be able to keep a couple running.

Jim

[guzzitaco]

everygunpart.com has complete kits...

They are a bit expensive (IMHO) but every two or three months they run a special sale, like father's day special 35% off + free shipping...

I am not affiliated with them, but I have bought a couple of kits from them and they have been great for what I have paid...

[kbm6893]

So what are some good parts to have on hand? Parts more likely to break? Slide stop looks like it might be good to have an extra.

[Gunhacker]

Originally Posted by kbm6893

So what are some good parts to have on hand? Parts more likely to break? Slide stop looks like it might be good to have an extra.

Probably the most fragile and trouble prone part in 3rd gens is the trigger free play spring that's affixed to the trigger draw bar.

I keep a few of them and the rivets on hand as you can never tell how long they'll be available.

Aside from the usual recoil springs, the trigger free play spring is the only thing I've needed to replace on my 3rd gens... I should probably add a spare extractor and spring while I still can to my parts stash.

Brownells:

spring: # 940-000-589WB

rivet: # 940-000-182WB

[kbm6893]

Originally Posted by Gunhacker

Probably the most fragile and trouble prone part in 3rd gens is the trigger free play spring that's affixed to the trigger draw bar.

I keep a few of them and the rivets on hand as you can never tell how long they'll be available.

Aside from the usual recoil springs, the trigger free play spring is the only thing I've needed to replace on my 3rd gens... I should probably add a spare extractor and spring while I still can to my parts stash.

Brownells:

spring: # 940-000-589WB

rivet: # 940-000-182WB

Thanks. Mine was clicking on the 4566 I just got. I searched here and found its pretty common and pushed it forward an a pencil eraser and clicking gone. Found out that part isn’t even necessary and some departments removed them.

I can see extractors being something to have on hand.

[SMSgt]

Originally Posted by kbm6893

Thanks. Mine was clicking on the 4566 I just got. I searched here and found its pretty common and pushed it forward an a pencil eraser and clicking gone. Found out that part isn’t even necessary and some departments removed them.

I can see extractors being something to have on hand.

Just be aware that pushing the spring forward may be a temporary fix. Mine would last a mag or two and start clicking again. The spring will most likely be weakened or cracked.

[Sevens]

^^Agreed and to add to that:

Yes, some departments ordered S&W to remove them before shipment, so they aren't critical parts however it, in my opinion, makes the trigger sloppy and ****** and I wouldn't want mine without a properly functioning trigger play spring.

In my own personal hands-on observations in the more than two dozen S&W pistols that came with the trigger play spring... it's the large .45cal guns that have the springs that go to hell. My 4566TSW had a ****** trigger play spring, I had a buddy replace it for me with a new part.

I've never had even a bobble with the trigger play springs in all my other 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen 9mm and .40cal pistols, and my 1006 is perfectly good as well. (knock on wood!)

[Gunhacker]

The CHP ordered their 4006's with out the trigger free play spring... they did that because they wanted the extra slop in trigger travel so their officers could not do the release the trigger until the disconnector reset is felt routine, instead of letting the trigger return through it's normal travel.

I had to buy a new trigger drawbar because the one on my 4006CHP did not even have the rivet hole for the spring.

Here's what the relationship looks like for the drawbar, spring and trigger. The spring puts pressure on the trigger so the pawls stay in the "notches" on the drawbar. Without the spring, the trigger pawls float around and make the clicking noise when they slip into place. Highly annoying and it makes for a real ****** feeling trigger pull.

[BruceB]

If you're into changing grips, or total teardowns for cleaning, the sideplates are a bit fragile. Worth having on hand.

If you have a frame de-cocker model, it takes a unique sideplate and it's a must-have spare, if you can even find them!

Ditto on the trigger play springs for a .45, never had issues with the .40 or 9mm models.

[GaryS]

Numrich has the straight back version of those grips for the 4526 and 1026. That's the only place that I've ever seen that has them.

OTOH, they have the sideplates.

Originally Posted by BruceB

If you're into changing grips, or total teardowns for cleaning, the sideplates are a bit fragile. Worth having on hand.

If you have a frame de-cocker model, it takes a unique sideplate and it's a must-have spare, if you can even find them!

Ditto on the trigger play springs for a .45, never had issues with the .40 or 9mm models.