K frame extractor alignment pins?

Ray1970 · May 6, 2021

I did some searching and it seems missing pins can be common and replacements are probably easier fabricated than purchased.

Anyhow, my question is how necessary are they for proper reliability of the revolver?

I ask because I recently purchased a used K frame (64-3?) and noticed that one of the two small alignment pins for the extractor seems to be missing. I haven’t had time for a trip to the range but everything seems to be functioning properly based off of what I can tell so I guess I am just wondering if those two tiny pins are critical parts. Should I take care of the missing pin before I hit the range or is it one of those projects that I can push off for when I’m bored or have some free time?

Thanks.

steelslaver · May 6, 2021

If you load it the brass will keep it lined up. I figure the pins are to keep the flat or key way setup in extractor tube and cylinder from damage.

armorer951 · May 6, 2021

They are not absolutely necessary, although they do make loading easier by holding the extractor in alignment with the chambers.

I believe the pins were originally designed into the extractor and cyl assembly to prevent the extractor from slipping over a casing (perhaps single loaded) and having the casing then get stuck behind the extractor star.

As you can imagine, stoppages like this are very hard (impossible) to clear, especially in the field, so the alignment pins were added as a precaution.....particularly to benefit law enforcement.

The current design revision of the flat surface built into the extractor stem and the corresponding alignment flat in the cylinder cavity for the stem, pretty much eliminated the problem, and the possible resulting stoppages.

Ray1970 · May 6, 2021

Thanks. I figure with the one pin and the flats on the rod it’s probably good to go for an initial test run at the range. I’ll probably see about replacing the missing pin as time allows just the same.

flintsghost · May 6, 2021

They are .067 in diameter and round on both ends. They can be easily purchased from Smith & Wesson.

chief38 · May 6, 2021

You can easily make one from a Number 51 drill bit shank which measures 0.067". You just need to cut it with a Dremel and polish it it up a bit.

Peter Lemonjello · Aug 21, 2021

How do you install the pins? I got 2 replacements and am currently missing one. I don’t want to just put it in and hope it stays. What’s the proper way to replace?

Llance · Aug 22, 2021

The proper way to replace???

Were it me I'd get a small bottle of red Locktite clean the pin and the hole into which it fits free of all oil and grease then put a small dab of Locktite on the pin and push it into the hole to the proper depth. (use the other pin to determine the proper depth.) Wait 24 hours after setting the pin before you head out to the range.

Peter Lemonjello · Aug 23, 2021

Peter Lemonjello said:
How do you install the pins? I got 2 replacements and am currently missing one. I don’t want to just put it in and hope it stays. What’s the proper way to replace?

Llance said:
The proper way to replace???

Were it me I'd get a small bottle of red Locktite clean the pin and the hole into which it fits free of all oil and grease then put a small dab of Locktite on the pin and push it into the hole to the proper depth. (use the other pin to determine the proper depth.) Wait 24 hours after setting the pin before you head out to the range.

Thanks for the advice. I’ll look in to it.

K frame extractor alignment pins?

Ray1970

Member

steelslaver

US Veteran

armorer951

Member

Ray1970

Member

flintsghost

Member

chief38

Member

Peter Lemonjello

Member

Llance

US Veteran

Peter Lemonjello

Member

Similar threads

Latest posts