S&W Parts won't sell Shield sear
- Thread starter MINI SSS
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If they follow the same procedure as they did/do with the M&P, they'll sell the complete sear block, but not the component parts. Or, at least not the critical parts. Some exceptions for factory trained armorers may exist.
You've stumbled upon the main reason the company is reluctant to sell that part to the public.
As it was explained to me, why would they want to needlessly expose themselves to the potential for someone to "play with" a sear, and then maybe sue the company if & when they experience a problem with the modified part, particularly if they injure themselves or someone else due to a dangerously modified sear?
FWIW, they're very careful even sending such parts to currently certified armorers.
Here's the thing, though. Considering the cost of a complete factory sear housing block costs less than $20 to an armorer, it's easier to simply stock & sell the complete assembly for both the company & armorers.
After my first armorer class for the M&P pistol I bothered to stock some replacement sear plungers & springs. The original parts were really small, easy to lose during a full inspection/service, and I thought it might be easier to simply replace aging plunger springs at some point for preventive maintenance.
Now that the standard sear plunger & spring is larger, it's less easy to lose, as well as the spring being stronger, I don't see a need to bother stocking those individual parts. I'll just replace the whole assembly if a problem develops. Easier & faster.
Extra sears? Even as an armorer I don't bother to keep any as "spares", and for the same reason. If one ever requires replacement for repair purpose (unlikely), I'll simply drop in a complete new sear housing assembly. Again, easier & faster.
Now, companies can always change their minds about their policies and practices. There's been some talk about maybe changing the way they sell some parts at some point in the future, but you can bet they're going to rely upon advice from their legal counsel no matter what they do.
Rpg
Member
Years ago, I acquired a pre-64 Winchester .375 H&H. The previous owner had botched a trigger job so I need a new sear. Winchester wouldn't sell me one directly. I bought one from a Winchester collector for $8.00. I imagine Winchester thought they had liability exposure although I can't imagine how.
People try to attribute fault to manufacturers for the strangest reasons, and then we end up with settlements and companies reluctant to get sued again. 
FWIW, there's reportedly been some discussion at the factory about potentially selling some types of firearms parts somewhere down the road, with instructions for a buyer to properly install them.
This sort of thing has an ebb & flow to it, over time, among the various gun companies.
Naturally, I'd not expect some of the revolver and TDA pistol parts to be sold to the general public, such as those which require "fitting", and especially gauges to check fit.
FWIW, there's reportedly been some discussion at the factory about potentially selling some types of firearms parts somewhere down the road, with instructions for a buyer to properly install them.
This sort of thing has an ebb & flow to it, over time, among the various gun companies.
Naturally, I'd not expect some of the revolver and TDA pistol parts to be sold to the general public, such as those which require "fitting", and especially gauges to check fit.
Catshooter
Member
Even though this is a Smith board I'll tell you, parts and their availability for the Glock pistols is sure one point in their favor. I think that they won't sell you a frame, and that's all. Everything else is yours for the asking. Well, you do have to pay, but even that's reasonable.
For those who have no mechanical skills then fine. But for those who can having virtually every part you could ever need is huge. Especially when no special gauges or tools are needed to replace them.
Doesn't seem like Glock is too worried about liability.
Cat
For those who have no mechanical skills then fine. But for those who can having virtually every part you could ever need is huge. Especially when no special gauges or tools are needed to replace them.
Doesn't seem like Glock is too worried about liability.
Cat
Even though this is a Smith board I'll tell you, parts and their availability for the Glock pistols is sure one point in their favor. I think that they won't sell you a frame, and that's all. Everything else is yours for the asking. Well, you do have to pay, but even that's reasonable.
For those who have no mechanical skills then fine. But for those who can having virtually every part you could ever need is huge. Especially when no special gauges or tools are needed to replace them.
Doesn't seem like Glock is too worried about liability.
Cat
Actually, it's the aftermarket vendors who buy parts from Glock, and then sells them to the public, that makes the parts so easily available.
Glock usually tells owners that they'll only ship parts to a Glock armorer. Yes, they're very concerned about liability. (I've been through the Glock armorer class a few times.)
The last non-certified armorer parts list I saw (late 2010 release) lists barrels, magazine parts (floorplates, inserts, followers, springs), recoil springs assemblies & sights as parts they'll sell to non-armorers. (I don't know if they're still willing to sell barrels to ordinary owners anymore, though.) Some accessories, too.
The rest of the Glock gun parts are on a different list for sale only to certified armorers.
S&W also sells parts to aftermarket vendors, although a lot of parts are often back-ordered (especially with as quickly as the M&P's are selling, and the bulk of the parts being used for production). I'm often having to wait for back-ordered parts which don't stay in-stock very long, and I buy them as an armorer.
S&W makes it much easier for armorers to order & pay for parts than Glock, BTW.
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