Sparks from firing pin hole in new 642 Power Port

[JimmyZ]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the board but not new to S&W's. I've been shooting Smiths since I was young and still have the model 10 that my father passed down to me.

My newest purchase is the 642 Powerport. I had all intentions of buying the stainless, non ported 642 but this one caught my eye. It's already been to the range and I love the way it shoots. The trigger hasn't fully smoothed out yet but I like it the way it is.

I just noticed however that there are sparks coming from the firing pin hole. I was dry firing with snap caps and passed through a dark hallway here at home when I noticed it. Is this normal? Is something maybe a little rough on the firing pin that will smooth out over time? I've never seen this before on any of my other revolvers. It shot just fine at the range.

What should I do? Should I be concerned?

I thank you all in advance for your advise. I look forward to learning more and contributing on this site.

 

[JimmyZ]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the board but not new to S&W's. I've been shooting Smiths since I was young and still have the model 10 that my father passed down to me.

My newest purchase is the 642 Powerport. I had all intentions of buying the stainless, non ported 642 but this one caught my eye. It's already been to the range and I love the way it shoots. The trigger hasn't fully smoothed out yet but I like it the way it is.

I just noticed however that there are sparks coming from the firing pin hole. I was dry firing with snap caps and passed through a dark hallway here at home when I noticed it. Is this normal? Is something maybe a little rough on the firing pin that will smooth out over time? I've never seen this before on any of my other revolvers. It shot just fine at the range.

What should I do? Should I be concerned?

I thank you all in advance for your advise. I look forward to learning more and contributing on this site.

 

[Joe A]

I don't know if it's anything to be concerned about but I have seen the same on both my 642 and my M&P 340. Still goes bang when loaded so I just ignore it.

 

[JimmyZ]

Thanks Joe, that's what I was hoping to hear.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

JimmyZ,

I noticed the same thing with my 432PD. I called the factory and was told not to worry. I couldn't get a straight answer from them what was going on, and what was the cause, but the factory is aware of this, and they aren't concerned.

Regards,

Dave

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

You know the sparks you get when you bite into a wintergreen lifesaver in a dark room.....same thing. Just revel in one of life's little mysteries

 

[JimmyZ]

after my second outing and cleaning with this gun the sparks have gone away.

 

[riversalmon]

electronic ignition!

 

[m657]

...telemetry to the Big Chopper in the sky about your target practices....

 

[myanof]

I had the sparks on my 340PD, but they left after I shot it a few times. I also talked to Smith about it and they said it was normal. I kind of miss them.

 

[colt_saa]

The sparks are the result of the stainless steel firing pin interacting with the titanium firing pin bushing that is pressed into the frame.