Check, double check, then re-check your CCW of choice. Carrying and shooting the same sidearm on a regular basis can lull one into a false sense of security as to flawless operation. On my range visit this afternoon, I unholstered my trusty 60-7 snub and readied to put a few rounds downrange. Before firing the first shot, I noticed the crane screw appeared slightly "higher" than normal. Well, indeed it was ... closer inspection found that it had backed out a full turn and required tightening. Ironically, years ago when I bought this -7 from the used section of my LGS, I took it to the range and fired a box of standard 158s. Upon loading my last five rounds, the entire cylinder/crane fell out in my hand ... the same screw had backed out. It never was a problem again until today, and it was an oversight on my part that could have caused significant problems at the wrong time. Lesson learned, and relearned.

The gear that is designed to protect you CAN malfunction. Check your CCW regularly before you go out with it.

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I'm with the banned ...

We are all guilty of complacency and in a defensive firearm that can get you killed. Thank you for the reminder!

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Regards
Paul

I don't think about checking my handgun, what ever one I may have,…..I'll wipe them down with a little Rem.oil, now and then, but never "really" look at them, I do shoot them, but not on a very regular basis……,but always expect my handguns to make a noise whenI pull the trigger…….thanks for the reminder to really take a look once in a while.

Semper Fi!

***** LOC TITE !
Now you know why old law dogs carry a backup

Eternal vigilance is the price of safety.
Thanks for the reminder.

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Stay protected my friends.

This is a great reminder, thanks.

How often do you practice with your carry gun? How long do you figure this screw was like this? Do you think you might have caught it earlier if you practiced more?

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Freedom isn't free.

Time for some low-strength Lock-Tite.

I shoot it 1-3 times weekly (as time, weather, etc. permit at the range), and carry it almost daily. Since the screw was a full turn loose, it must have gradually backed out. At half a turn, it looks flush ... a full turn leaves it ~.5 mm raised, and visibly not flush with the side plate. Even that slightly raised screw head was enough to catch my attention.

The low strength LokTite goes on tomorrow.

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I'm with the banned ...

1-3 times a week? I didn't expect that.

Of course, it could have happened in one day if it was already loose a half a turn. Yeah, some blue LocTite is in order for this one.

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Freedom isn't free.

The club of which I'm a member has a mountain top range that is open year-round. In any weather short of a blizzard or downpour, I try to shoot as much as possible.

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I'm with the banned ...

Stuff happens. I carry a handgun for backup when hunting. I worked in a number of gunshops and if I learned anything, it is that guns can break down on you. Also, have iron sights on a serious rifle as backup.

mc5aw:

I don't know if others do this but I ROUTINELY remove that screw each time I clean the gun so that the cylinder may be removed. I find that not only does it make it so much easier to clean the cylinder without obstruction, but there is also less strain on the yoke and the cylinder is easier to inspect. Each time the gun is cleaned and assembled I know the screw is properly tightened and I am good to go. IF I need to use the Lewis Lead remover tool, it's a whole lot easier when the cylinder is off the gun.

I know there may be some that will say this is not necessary but in 35 years of doing this I have had NO problems, NO side effects, and I also use that opportunity to put one drop of oil on the yoke and cylinder insertion points.

Give it a try once and see of it works for you.

Great post! You point out a fact I have deeply ingrained in my brain. Yet, I still take my constant companion, 442, for granted.

Many of the modern S&W revolvers have a drop of red locktite on the yoke screw. The spring-loaded screws are very prone to back out.

I recently ran about 80 rounds through my 627 in rapid fire. The ammo was handloads with TiteGroup powder which burns HOT! At the end of the string, my yoke screw had backed out as well as both rear sight screws. All were locktited, BUT the heat loosened the locktite.

Good stuff to know.

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Bob.
SWCA 1821

PS...... I NEVER use Locktite on guns - NOT even the temporary kind. It is too easy to get it on (unintentionally of course) parts that you don't want it on. Just check the screws after cleaning once in a while. AFAIK the red stuff that Smith uses on certain screws is not exactly Locktite it is more like a "Pipe Dope" that is thicker and just tightens up the threads. Locktite is more of a chemically reactive adhesive.

The ONLY guns I find that routinely need screws tightened on are Colt SAA's. If you carry a Colt SAA, carry a screwdriver. Still NO LOCKTITE! Nothing against Locktite and I do use it on my Motorcycles and other stuff - - - just not on guns.

After shooting I always clean my guns. Part of my cleaning process is to check all the screws and the general condition of each gun. Better to find a problem while cleaning than out shooting.

I learned back in my motorcycle-riding days to check every nut, bolt and screw on the machine regularly. They WILL work loose with use -- maybe not all of them, maybe not all the time, but the one that does back out will cause a problem every time. The few seconds needed to check tightness once in a while are well worth the effort. For chronic problem screws, Loc-Tite may be an answer, but don't let it become a crutch that makes you think, "Heck, I'll skip the check -- no way they'll come loose!"

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Pisgah

I agree with the motorcyle analogy. I have been in the habit of doing a check for any problems before I take it on the street. A mechanical failure during a lethal force situation or while doing seventy on a cycle isn't acceptable. I also remove the cylinder and yoke when I clean and inspect my revolvers. A feature of my Ruger Security Six that I like is its modular, easy to disassemble construction that involves no fasteners other than the grip screw...When I was an active LEO, I had a recurrent nightmare that involved being attacked and my firearm wouldn't fire. That reflects my concern with my equipment being in proper order...Fortunately, your problem occurred on the range. All mechanical things can fail but the most common factor is neglect by the user.

Good reminder. One can never let the guard down. Good post.