help with 649 issue

[ky wonder]

I have a early 649 38 special that I have had for years .

today after shooting about 40 rounds of mixed 38 stuff through it the crane came out of the pistol when I opened it to eject the empties

has anyone had this happen to them?

and if so what is the probable cause of this failure,

I am not demeaning the pistol I really enjoy the little j frame and it has been passed to my daughter for personal defense, and she came in this weekend and we were shooting it this afternoon when this issue came up

I am sure that it will be an easy fix, just have never been inside a smith

 

[Virgil]

Sounds like you may have a side plate screw that's backed out. The one closest to barrel is the one that holds the crane in the frame. I'd start there and see if it needs tightening.

 

[ky wonder]

Sounds like you may have a side plate screw that's backed out. The one closest to barrel is the one that holds the crane in the frame. I'd start there and see if it needs tightening.

thanks ill try that

 

[texmex]

It could also be that someone put the wrong screw in the wrong hole. The screw that is supposed to hold the crane in is not threaded all the way to the end. It has a smooth area that fits in the crane to hold it in place. The screws that go under the grips usually have flat heads so they are flush when screwed all the way in. Don't over tighten the screws. The are just supposed to be snug, They are not lugnuts on a Kenworth. If you decide to remove the sideplate while you are solving your retaining screw problem, read up on how to do it. DON'T PRY IT OFF. That is a larger than usual sideplate on a 649. You certainly don't want to pry on it so it is not flat and flush fitting any more. If the sideplate screw under the cylinder is snug and the crane will still slide out, it is probably the wrong screw. People sometimes mix it up with the screw behind the trigger guard. It would be a good idea to look at a parts diagram before removing the sideplate. That way, you won't panic when the hammer block falls out as it usually does. Not a bad idea to have screw drivers that fit the slots in the screws (hollow ground usually fit best). It is not like taking apart a pocket watch, but it is a precision instrument and should be treated as such.

 

[ky wonder]

I am now in need of the end shake screw for a stainless j frame

if that is what you call the screw that holds in the crane

 

[markyboy57]

Yoke screw assembly.

 

[Sgt 127]

Is it gone? Try calling Smith. Specify the model and dash. The early screws were simple, but may need fitting. The later ones have a spring loaded plunger that holds the crane, they are not interchangeable.

 

[10mmillie]

That happened to my no dash 640 a few years ago. Screw came out and was lost. I had to send it back to Smith & Wesson. They fixed it for no charge within 3 weeks. No further problems.

 

[ky wonder]

Is it gone? Try calling Smith. Specify the model and dash. The early screws were simple, but may need fitting. The later ones have a spring loaded plunger that holds the crane, they are not interchangeable.

I emailed customer support for Smith and Wesson AT 8:20 AM THIS MORING ABOUT THE LOST SCREW FOR MY 649-1

HERE IS THE RESPONCE I RECIEVD A LITTLE OVER TWO HOURS LATER

Reference number: LTK111770xxxxX Please use this ticket number in any correspondence with us.
Subject: model 649-1 issue
Dear Customer,
I will have a new yoke screw mailed out tomorrow.
If further assistance is required please reply accordingly.
Sincerely,
David


I am a happy camper thanks