I have a blued 1988 S&W Model 36-2 that is new to me. Had a gunsmith take the runout on the ejector rod and completely clean and tune it after I bought it.

I ran a box of box of 50 rounds through it last week and tonight went back out to the range for the second time since. After the 3rd round of 5 shots tonight it missed firing and I had to pull the trigger twice on two of the bullets.

When I went back to the bench to empty the shells and look at the primers on the shells the cylinder felt loose so I started looking the gun over. The screw on the right side of the gun below the cylinder and to the left of the Made in USA S&W writing was gone. I looked all around for it for about 30 minutes, but it got dark and I couldn't see anything.

It must be the screw that holds the yoke in because that now that can be slipped off of the gun. I guess that is what caused the misfires.

Where can I find a replacement screw for this? I love the gun but can't shoot it again or use it for my home defense until I get the screw replaced.

Thanks for the help!

Frank

Attached Images

36-2 yoke screw missing 2.jpg (66.2 KB, 67 views)

Well, it's an older gun, but my first call would be to Smith and Wesson customer service. They might even send you a free one. Also possible they will no longer have these older parts in stock, but it's a place to start. I have a really strong magnet that I keep in the jeep. I have lost small parts that I would never have found otherwise, just by sweeping it over the suspect area. When you hear a "click" you just may have found your part. Or some guys wolf steel cartridge case. Just a few minths ago, I was shooting a collectable semi auto, and a part came up missing. Found it in grass a few inches deep in no time.

There are sources out there. Some of the smith models have a fitted yoke retention screw/sideplate screw. It is made a little long, and it must be fitted by filing in order to place the correct tension on the yoke for smooth opening and closing. Would not work as it comes from the factory, though, to long and front is slightly oversize.

Hope this helps.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

I don't know if they have Ace Hardware near you but the other day I was in there and noticed they sell gun screws. It was in the special screw section in those little bins. There were two whole bins dedicated to proper gun screws. A couple dozen shapes and sizes - looked to be good quality.

Try Gun Garage. They carry screws for S&W.

You also may want to try Jack First Gun Parts.

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Pete Janssen
SWCA #2239

Gun-Garage on EBAY is the only way to go. Their screws are all perfect. I don't even know how many I've replaced on my Smiths. The cost is around $8 each. You can buy the one screw or the whole set if you want to replace them all and make the gun look really good.

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Dr. B

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to respond. I do have a replacement ordered and on the way.

Frank121, just remember that you will have to fit the new screw when you get it.

Thanks, Jared.

Why does the replacement screw have to be fitted if it was ordered for the specific model?

Frank

This screw not only holds the front of the sideplate in place, but goes through and fits in a channel milled in the yoke. It provides light friction against the yoke to ensure that the cylinder doesn't just flop out when opened. Ideally, when the screw is tightened, there will be just a light friction, not enough to bind the yoke. They make the screw just a little oversize to allow for variances in different guns, and for wear in those guns over the years. Normally you have to fit a new screw by trail and error, removing a little of the unthreaded end portion at a time until a gentle pressure is achieved.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

As soon as you purchase the correct screw and it arrives you will find the original;guaranteed!

If EBAY and other sources are no-go try Gunparts.com and call Brownell's who may happen to have one in a junk box.

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Jim

I started thinking it unlikely that both companies, acting independently with only the same information I provided, would send the wrong yoke screw.

I remembered my gunsmith had posted a picture on FB when he had my gun apart and was correcting the run out on the extractor. I found it and saved it to my computer where I was able to zoom in to see what kind of yoke screw it had. It looked like the spring and plunger ones that I received.

I then put a drop of Ballistol on the threads of the new yoke screw and it began to go in smoothly without the resistance I had felt when I tried it dry. It had some red stuff (grease?) on it when I got it that was a little hard, so maybe that was making it appear to bind.

I cinched it down tight without gorillaing the screwdriver and it fit and looked as it did when I first got it. The yoke stays firmly in the gun, yet opens smoothly when unlatched without just falling out.

When I spoke with S&W last week they said my gun was right on the cusp of changing to the newer yoke screw, so I guess it indeed had.

I took the grips off so I could check both of the other two right side plate screws. They were both loose, so I tightened them down and reinstalled the grips. I believe my 36-2 is ready to go back to the gun range.

Thanks to all of you who replied and offered suggestions. This forum is truly a treasure!

for crying out loud! for about a year the cylinder on my 36-1 has rattled, flopped and even jammed.

this left me thinking I better get a new gun...but a few turns of the screw thanks to this listing and my little sweetie's tight as ever!

When a gun smith or owner who is not fully experienced with S&W revolvers take the side plate off, the two screws above the trigger get mixed up. One is fitted, the other is not. It is prudent to keep them separate and marked for proper re-installation. When they are swapped it is common for the yoke screw to be backed out to allow the yoke to swing out properly causing the screw to fall out during firing. Just a word to the wise.