Needing Advice on a 642-2

[Tonyhumboldt]

Hello, unfortunately I'm coming to you from California, I'm new to the firearm world, and have been thoroughly been enjoying my time learning & collecting.

A few years back the 642 is the first gun I bought, I've considered getting rid of it to fund something a little more desirable, but have decided to keep it for concealed carry when I apply for my ccw this year.

So what I'm wanting advice on, is wether I take it into the local gunsmith or not. What is happening is the "hand" that turns the cylinder would every once in awhile not rotate the cylinder to the next round, I decided to take it apart and clean everything of the inside, it feels a heck of a lot better, But it still has that same problem, not as consistent as it once was but it's still doing it. Should I go in again and clean once more, or is this something beyond my knowledge & capabilities?

Now here is the second bit of advice I'm looking for, is for this part I cannot name, which ill have attached in an image. I think these parts must have flew out when I was using a rubber mallet to bang off the frame to get to the inside of the gun… I looked everywhere in my studio & could not find the pieces… So my question is, what the hell is that called, and where would I buy that said part?….. and actually is that a necessity in shooting this firearm, having those parts?

 

[Alk8944]

They are the Locking Bolt, Locking Bolt Spring and Locking Bolt Retaining Pin. The gun can safely be fired without them being present, but they should be replaced. Call S&W Customer Service, 800-331-0852 and ask for them by name and model number. S&W will probably send replacements free of charge! Any other company will charge for the parts plus shipping, at worst S&W won't charge for shipping.

Generally these parts are drop-in.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Another option would be to call S&W, let them email you a shipping label, and send the 642 to them telling them about the hand problem.

They will return the gun to you with everything repaired and the whole thing won't cost you anything.

 

[DixieRanger]

Just a thought...took apart & parts flew out & are nessassry to use firearm? Maybe missing something but see only barrel & part of frame. If asking this, me thinks you best take to qualified smith.

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[Tonyhumboldt]

Hey thanks guys for the quick responses!

That's great to know that is an option with smith & wesson! I did something similar with the 1980's naa 22mag I have, sent to the company & they put some notches in the cylinder so the hammer wasn't resting on a round, free of charge!

 

[Tonyhumboldt]

Just a thought...took apart & parts flew out & are nessassry to use firearm? Maybe missing something but see only barrel & part of frame. If asking this, me thinks you best take to qualified smith.

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The picture is when I had first notice that part was missing, while I was in the middle of cleaning & the gun was near completely taken apart.

But I think you're right, my gut tells me to just bring it in to be safe rather than sorry.

 

[DixieRanger]

Didn't see previous post before mine. Still don't see parts but if safe to fire without these wonder why they are there? Guess don't understand?

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[gunny4053]

First, welcome to the forum. As far as the missing parts, I'm not sure what parts you're indicating. The best advice I can give you is give S&W a call. Their customer service is second to none and they will put everything back as it should be, they'll even replace the missing parts though that will cost you. Bottom line is if you send it home you know it's done right and will probably cost less than a local gunsmith would charge.

I have the 442, basically the black version of your silver gun. Good choice to hang on to it as these little guns bring a lot to the table. Drop it in a pocket and they disappear.

 

[Tonyhumboldt]

Sorry guys! Excuse me as I'm new to forums & also just a small handful of years of venturing into firearms.
I should have given a better description of the location of the missing parts, it's in the picture I posted, but I'll put along side a stock photo I found that shows the exact part(s) I'm missing!

 

[DixieRanger]

Got it. Old [emoji102]'s. S&W like they said. Thanks & welcome sir!

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[reccpd101]

Send it back to Smith. You won't be sorry.

 

[Tonyhumboldt]

Thank you all, I sincerely appreciate all the responses.

going to call them in the morning, they were closed when I called today.

 

[ken158]

Using a hammer to get the sideplate off is scary enough but when you add that parts are missing and the hand skipping means a trip home for factory repairs. Detail the hand skipping part but I would leave out using the hammer part in your explanation…

 

[shovelmike]

Welcome

A big welcome to the forum, Tony. Given that the hand is skipping, I agree with sending it to Smith and Wesson. You will likely be charged for the missing part, but the gun will likely return to you in top condition.
Keep that 642! I have a 442 on my belt at the moment, and 90 percent of the time. Only change made was swap to Altamont rosewood basketweave stocks to accommodate my pinky. Made a real looker out of her to boot!

 

[Tonyhumboldt]

Hey thanks again for the responses, I just got a shipping label from smith & Wesson & I'll ship her out today.

I guess it's better to explain the full story on the letter im going to send alongside the revolver, I won't mention banging with the rubber hammer to get the plate off,, but I know they'll most likely really not enjoy that I opened the gun up myself. Haha

And I guess I shouldn't trust the videos I watch of dissembling firearms? The 2 videos I watched for taking down the 642, both of the people used a weighted rubber something or another the slap the plate out.
I'm used to fixing minor problems in my old Leica film cameras, but maybe I shouldn't take the same approach with my guns… Something to think about.

 

[DixieRanger]

Hope S&W results are satisfying. Please advise when returned. Lotta DIY stuff nowadays but my revolvers ain't one of'em. 1911's & AR's i'll go into no problem. Thanks for to show.

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