Chipped firing pin?

[ShrinkMD]

I was having light strikes at the range with my 686, and when I examined it more closely, I noticed that the firing pin tip appears to be chipped off! I compared it to another revolver, and there is definitely something missing. I am sending it back to the factory.

Has anyone had this happen to them before? The gun only has about 2-3K though it, so it is basically new. And I haven't been dryfiring it that much, either. And when I did, I used snap caps. So what gives?

Is this a common problem? This seriously puts a big, big dent in the "Six for sure" adage for me at this point. I will definitely examine this on any revolver I was going to use for HD/SD...

 

[28gauge]

I have. What typically causes it is that a primer was pierced and burnt the firing pin. This can be caused by a bad primer/round or, the firing pin in your gun protrudes too deep. It only takes once or twice. Another clue is to look at the firing pin bushing in the frame, the bushing that the pin protrudes through. Is the hole in the center perfectly round and crisp, or does it show signs of being burnt with an irregular, enlarged shape? Is it a new style inframe pin or an older hammer mounted pin?

 

[BUFF]

The firing pins just sometimes break. It isn't a common occurence but it does happen. The only part of any S&W handgun I have ever owned that just plain broke from shooting was the firing pin on my 6 inch Model 14. During a slowfire match. I was speechless when the gun started making clicks instead of booms. The gun had a few thousand rounds through it at the time, mostly midrange target loads but also some fairly hot 110 grain jhp handloads. And yet other guns have thousands of nothing but .357 loads through them and are fine.

 

[jj2am44]

My firing pin broke in my 629 after only a hundred rounds or so. I sent it back and they returned it good as new.

 

[TSQUARED]

Firing pins are simple to replace in the newer models with frame mounted firing pins. Just ask S&W to send youa replacemtn - usually they send 3 or 4.

 

[ShrinkMD]

I need to watch that AGI video for S&W revolvers which I have laying around somewhere! Is it difficult to do? I have the Brownells screwdriver set for S&W revolvers, a plastic/brass hammer, and the AGI video. Is this a bad idea to attempt myself?

 

[SNW REV]

Remove the sideplate. The firing pin and spring are held into position by a small pin. Remove the pin and the firing pin annd spring will come out towards the rear. Install the spring, new firing pin and retaining pin and the job is done.


Frank

 

[bgrafsr]

ShrinkMD:

If your gun is an older model 686, I have hammer noses (firing Pins), and would be glad to send you one, or you could send me the hammer and I will replace it for you. I have several left over from when I did the L frame recall for S&W. If it is a 686 with the frame mounted firing pin, I cannot help you.

Bill

 

[ShrinkMD]

Thanks for the offer, but it is the new, frame mounted type. They are sending me the fedex slip, so I'll just have to be patient till it gets fixed. Thanks again.