59 Extraction Problems

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Having problems with model 59 extracting spent cartridge. Nearly new pistol. Any suggestions?
 
I would suggest carefull removing the extractor and detail cleaning absolutely every crevice around every bit of it. And since removing the extractor takes a little bit of work and time, I would also replace the extractor spring while in there. It is a small coil spring and Wolff sells them, they are inexpensive.

To do this, remove the slide and tap downward from the top of the slide to remove pin. IMPORTANT! This hole in the top of the slide is merely an access hole that allows you to tap the pin downward. The pin itself is larger in diameter than this hole, this keeps the pin from ever walking upward and out of this hole.*

Replacement is the reverse -- pin is installed from underneath and tapped upward in to place. Important to tap the pin to below flush-- otherwise the pin could score the top of the alloy frame, you don't want that.


*ahhh, the joys of the dreaded "previous owner", who apparently figured that S&W bored the access hole too small... he enlarged it when he should NOT have and predictably, the pin wants to walk upward until it leaves the pistol on it's own. Bubba strikes again, but I still love the pistol.
 
Perfect solution from Sevens, also try some different ammo and maybe some springs. The 59 was designed to function flawlessly. And usually does. Just use a sturdy grip for recoil. Dont worry, its not a heart breaker.
It will work. Best
 
I thought the model 59 was made in the early-mid 1970's. Is this the model you have and do you mean it has been fired very little? I also seem to remember they had some functioning problems and many were upgraded by S&W (no charge) with different extractors, springs and magazine followers. The upgraded extractors should have a punch mark on the flat face at the front of the extractor. If your pistol extractor is not punch marked, it hasn't been upgraded.
 
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The extractor pin hole is actually tapered from the bottom. The pin should be driven in then the hole upset with a round punch. The earlier fix for extraction problems was 3 different extractors number 1 and number 3 were for tight and loose gauge number 2 was unnumbered and was for standard gauge. In the early years of mfg they could not drill the extractor pin hole in the same spot each time. I believe I still have a numbered extractor or two. I also have many parts for the 59's new old stock. Also have the plane and green extractor springs.
 
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Fixed extractor, lost a part

I was doing just as suggested, cleaned the spring and extractor area, even replaced the extractor......only problem is I lost the manual safety plunger (Smith & Wesson part #: 60540000) called around and looked on the net to no avail..... anyone know where I can get this part (and other 59 parts for that matter)??

Thanks
 
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