5904 Reassembly Issue

[Jon651]

Greetings and looking for some repair advice on my S&W 5904. Let me say up front that I think I know what the problem is and am looking for the expert opinion of anyone with experience working on these pistols.

When reassembling my pistol after cleaning it, I get to the step where I slide the upper onto the lower and draw the slide back far enough to insert the slide stop to complete the process. However, my pistol has developed the habit of locking up the slide and not allowing me to pull it back past the "closed" position - I am unable to draw it back past the hammer to reinsert the stop.

I discovered a thread on this issue on another S&W forum so I know the cause but not the solution because one was never offered, but here it is: Of the three levers that must be depressed into the lower end to allow the slide to be drawn back, the one on the far right (looking from above - the firing pin safety lever) has too much front-to-back play in it when depressed and must be moved forward with the tip of a small screwdriver in order to allow the slide to be drawn all the way back. It acts like the hole in the lever is too large and allows too much play.

The gun shoots beautifully - this is its only issue. It was a new, never-fired safe queen when I got it and I have put exactly 152 rounds through it in one recent range trip so I don't believe this is a wear issue. Yes, I field stripped it and cleaned/lubed it thoroughly before I fired it for the first time.

My Questions:
* Is this safety lever the actual cause, or just a symptom of another problem?
* Should I prophylactically replace it (they are cheap online)?
* Would S&W honor this as a warranty issue even though I'm not the original purchaser? I don't want to send it off to them if I can get it done cheaper - and much quicker - locally.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[armorer951]

Disclaimer: I'm an armorer....not an expert. (I've also been labelled an "old coot")

If this is indeed the cause of your problem the lever you reference (part # 10029), is not a fitted part, so a new one can be added without any strings attached.

Sometimes, (if it is catching on the plunger), you can get the lever to stay under the safety plunger during re-assembly by pressing down on the slide after you manipulate the levers into the down position under the slide's rear edge, and then attempt to draw the slide back. Really depends on the amount of gauge between the slide and frame. Downward pressure should be applied to the top of the slide between the ejection port and the rear sight during this last phase of the re-assembly process. (be sure your guide rod and spring are positioned correctly (centered) before attempting to re-assemble)

If the gun was 'new and unfired' when you purchased it, it shouldn't be doing this.

I'm guessing that S&W would consider this a "wear & tear" issue, rather than a "defect". They might fix it, if parts are available. It would be their discretion about whether or not you are charged for labor.

I have some new OEM levers here that are looking for a home, so I can send you 'free' one if you decide to replace the lever yourself.

 

[Transamconvert]

Is your hammer down or back when you're trying to put the slide on?

 

[Jon651]

Is your hammer down or back when you're trying to put the slide on?

To answer your question, the hammer is in the forward/down position for reassembly.

I also tried Armorer951's suggestion of applying downward pressure on the slide but didn't have any luck in multiple attempts. There is more slop in the movement of the lever in question on this particular pistol than any of my other 3rd Gens so I am going to proactively replace it and hope that is the problem and not just a symptom of something else. Fingers crossed!