Took my model 69 apart a few days ago, I knew it was there, but the bolt spring and plunger went into orbit, and is no longer in this galaxy. Called the mothership and got replacement parts. Since the spring only fits over half of the plunger, which half goes into the bolt, the spring, or the plunger? Guessing that the spring goes into the bolt, but just want to make sure. TIA..
Model 69 bolt spring and plunger question.
- Thread starter toad67
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Spring goes into the bolt cavity first, then the plunger.
The assembly can be done with the parts and frame inside a clear plastic bag to prevent the plunger from going into parts unknown.
The assembly can be done with the parts and frame inside a clear plastic bag to prevent the plunger from going into parts unknown.
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OP
Thanks Carter. Just curious though, I've never seen a bolt spring/plunger like this. When did this style come out, and what model(s) is it used in?
Hmm, I thought they were all the same. At least every one I have taken apart is the same. I had to order a set for a friend and ordered a couple of spares. Was reassembling my 581 and guess what? The plunger is lost somewhere in my living room. Grabbed my parts box and all was well.
Rosewood
Rosewood
I haven't seen one of the "new" ones. I'm clueless.
Anyone have a photo of the new design?
Carter
Anyone have a photo of the new design?
Carter
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S&W revolverman
Member
The trick to this is to hold your thumb halfway over the frame while removing the bolt, then the plunger will just catch into your thumb when the spring releases. Easy peasy 
OP
From what I remember, the old/other style were like the rebound spring, with the trigger stop plunger in them, where the plunger slid inside the spring.
The plunger on the new one, has two different machined sizes. One size, allows the spring to slide over it, while the other end is larger, stopping the spring travel. If no one posts a picture first, I will take the 69 back apart for pictures tomorrow.
The trick to this is to hold your thumb halfway over the frame while removing the bolt, then the plunger will just catch into your thumb when the spring releases. Easy peasy
Yeah, easy peasy, until you forget to put your thumb over it...cause you mind was on something else.
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Don’t work on your guns when the wife/girlfriend is home, too many beers or watching the Playboy Channel…
I think I was watching the Braves. It isn't like I was reloading or anything dangerous.
Having done the parts launch thing long ago, I figured out an easier/safer way to remove/install the bolt assembly.
What I do is push the bolt assembly back until the nose/tip of the bolt clears the frame. Gently lifting this part allows the frame to keep the spring & pin trapped until you can ease off the pressure.
Installation is the reverse: use the frame to trap the spring & pin and then ease the bolt into place.
No, it doesn't work 100%, but it's close enough.
What I do is push the bolt assembly back until the nose/tip of the bolt clears the frame. Gently lifting this part allows the frame to keep the spring & pin trapped until you can ease off the pressure.
Installation is the reverse: use the frame to trap the spring & pin and then ease the bolt into place.
No, it doesn't work 100%, but it's close enough.
