Correct thumb latch for a pre-model 10.

[dacoontz]

Hey, I picked up a pre-model 10 (serial number @ C145,000) the other day for a great price but the thumb latch is missing. There is a threaded bolt protruding from the hole in the frame. Another forum member sent me a blued thumb latch but it doesn't appear to fit. It doesn't sit flush to the frame because of piece on the bottom side of the latch. Plus there isn't any thread sticking up enough for the little bolt to grab on to.

So I am assuming I need to find a latch that will sit flush to the frame and a bolt to thread on to that bolt and hold the latch. Am I correct here? Anybody got a picture I can use as a reference? And does anybody have one they would like to part with? Thanks.

 

[Lee Barner]

i think you have to pull the threaded bolt back a little to let the protruding part fit down in the frame. then the cap screw can be installed. try that. lee

 

[dacoontz]

Nope, no dice. I think the latch I got is too modern for this pistol. It looks like I need an older one that has two parts on the back side that clear the threaded bolt on either side but doesn't fully encircle the bolt. Thanks.

 

[dacoontz]

Anybody have an opinoin or picture to help me confirm which latch is correct for this pistol?

 

[Sebago Son]

This is C209xxx

Close in number....

 

[dacoontz]

Close in number....

Thanks. These picture are great. It looks like the one I got is correct but it sure doesn't seem to want to fit. I wonder how tight it is supposed to be? Also, are these the original grips for this pistol? Mine has diamond magnas.

I hesitate to even ask but if anyone dares remove their thumb latch and post a picure of the back side then I would be indebted to you. Thanks.

 

[twaits]

Close in number....

Hey neighbor Thats a nice looking gun. That's my favorite hammer style. I'm still looking for a M&P 2" in nickel with that hammer, although I would take the earlier style as well.
Got anything to sell or trade? (sorry...I don't mean to hijack this thread!)

 

[diamonback68]

I think like Lee barner said, you need to put the thumbpiece on, pull bak slightly and then push down and it should fall into place.

 

[dacoontz]

I think like Lee barner said, you need to put the thumbpiece on, pull bak slightly and then push down and it should fall into place.

Yep, tried that with no success. There simply is no clearance for the back portion of the latch I have. Here are some pics of the new to me gun. Let's see if anyone can make sense of this for me. Also what does the "5V" mean. Thanks.

 

[Speedo2]

dacoontz, suggest that you give Nick Brown (Buckeye Firearms) a call at 330 277-9344. He had a whole bunch of S&W triggers, hammers and small parts in one of those big, sectionalized parts containers the last time I was in his shop. He may have the part that you need. -S2

 

[dacoontz]

dacoontz, suggest that you give Nick Brown (Buckeye Firearms) a call at 330 277-9344. He had a whole bunch of S&W triggers, hammers and small parts in one of those big, sectionalized parts containers the last time I was in his shop. He may have the part that you need. -S2

I just called that number and got a voicemail for "Jannie." She sounded really sweet but I am thinking she wasn't the person I was looking. Is the another number or is that a typo. Thanks.

 

[diamonback68]

dacoontz, I see what the problem is now.
Your gun dates to 1948.
I just took a thumbpiece off a 1948 gun and compared it to a newer 1980 gun. The older thumbpiece 1948 has on the back, a small half moon stud on the front and a larger half moon stud on the back side of the screw cap hole.
The newer gun has a continuous stud that srrounds the screw cap hole which is what it looks like in your pucture.
It should look like this:

 

[dacoontz]

dacoontz, I see what the problem is now.
Your gun dates to 1948.
I just took a thumbpiece off a 1948 gun and compared it to a newer 1980 gun. The older thumbpiece 1948 has on the back, a small half moon stud on the front and a larger half moon stud on the back side of the screw cap hole.
The newer gun has a continuous stud that srrounds the screw cap hole which is what it looks like in your pucture.
It should look like this:

Perfect, that is what I thought but wasn't sure. I don't see your picture coming through. I think I have seen what you are describing but if you can get the picture up it would help me confirm so I don't go buying the wrong thing. Also, is the screw nut that holds the latch on similar to any of the ones out there for sale or is it going to be a specific size ands hape also?

 

[diamonback68]

Perfect, that is what I thought but wasn't sure. I don't see your picture coming through. I think I have seen what you are describing but if you can get the picture up it would help me confirm so I don't go buying the wrong thing. Also, is the screw nut that holds the latch on similar to any of the ones out there for sale or is it going to be a specific size ands hape also?

Stupid me, I delete the photo on the host site. Here it is.
The two half moon studs fit over the square at the bottom of the screw. On the new one's, there is no square, just threaded all the way down. Look into the slot at the screw and you will see what I mean.

P.S. The cap nuts appear to be the same.

 

[dacoontz]

Thanks a ton.

Diamondback,
Thanks for the picture. Now I know exactly what I am looking for. I do appreciate it and now I know I am not crazy trying to make this one fit that I have.

 

[VM]

dacoontz - I have what you need. It is a little nasty on the bottom/sides but you can clean it up. Send me a PM with your mailing address and I'll put it in the mail early in the week
Merry Christmas

 

[diamonback68]

Diamondback,
Thanks for the picture. Now I know exactly what I am looking for. I do appreciate it and now I know I am not crazy trying to make this one fit that I have.

No thanks to you, it forced me to learn something new that even I didn't know.

 

[Speedo2]

I just called that number and got a voicemail for "Jannie." She sounded really sweet but I am thinking she wasn't the person I was looking. Is the another number or is that a typo. Thanks.

Dooohhhh...I'm dyslexic, or old; maybe both. The correct number is 330 227-9344. But it sounds like Mr.VM has you fixed up. A class act, that VM. -S2

 

[dacoontz]

Speedo, no worries. "Jannie" called me back wondering who called her phone and I told her who I was trying to call and she knew right away the correct number. I could hear her yelling to her old man, "what's the number to Buckeye." Good people back thee in Ohio and PA.

And yes, Vm took care of me. Good guy. If I ever get any spare parts he'll be the first to know.