Strain Screw ?

[Dave T]

I've never liked backing off the strain screw and leaving it sticking out of the front strap. If I want less tension on the main spring I find a shorter strain screw or file/grind one down to where it gives me the tension I want when screwed all the way in.

With a couple revolvers in the safe that need some trigger pull adjustment I went on line to Brownells to order a couple extra strain screws to have them on hand for modification. Brownells web site tells me the strain screw for the N-frames (the guns in question) are a discontinued item. What the (expletive deleted) is that about? Why in the world would Smith & Wesson stop making or offering something as basic and universal as the strain screw?

Anyone have a clue about this who could fill me in? I am completely baffled by this development.

Dave

 

[BlueOvalBandit]

Not a clue, Midway just says back ordered and expected back in August. But I'm with you, if discontinued it is incredibly stupid.

 

[gutterman]

you got me, but i was just about to start a thread by asking what the easiest way to reduce the double action trigger pull was--and I think you answered it. Haven't heard anything about S&W discontinuing an item like a strain screw--sounds wierd to me--that is a basic item.

 

[Peak53]

Try Smith and Wesson for a strain screw

I called them a month or so ago and ordered one from a helpful guy. He said how many? so I upped my order to 2! They arrived in about week. Hint: Go to Customer Support link at the bottom of the page, then Parts List on the left hand side, then Revolver Parts List. You will get a complete list of parts by model number. Hit ctrl F for search, enter your model number as in M28 and it should take you to the right page. Scan the list for the parts you want and report that to the guy on the phone. Worked for me.

Or just click here:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson2/upload/other/RevPartsList_Retail.pdf

Now I need another one for a "new" Combat Masterpiece that someone did a bit too much of a trigger job on. I'll double my order to 4 screws this time!

 

[OKFC05]

If you need a quick replacement for a strain screw, an 8-32 Grade 8 cap screw can be ground to any length you desire in a few seconds.
Available at any complete hardware store.

 

[Dave T]

If you need a quick replacement for a strain screw, an 8-32 Grade 8 cap screw can be ground to any length you desire in a few seconds.
Available at any complete hardware store.

Thanks OKFC05. Good info to have on hand.

Dave

 

[rwsmith]

I think it's very likely....

I think it's very likely that you got a salesperson who didn't care to fiddle with a small order and should be in another job where he doesn't deal with customers.

 

[BlueOvalBandit]

Its listed on their website as discontinued.

 

[03Fatboy]

I don't bother much with Brownells, Numrich, or Midwayusa for parts much at all anymore. I just simply call S&W with the part number and order it. It's always cheaper too? I just ordered and installed about a month or so ago, a new strain screw for my 629-4. i probably still have the replaced one laying in the parts bin.

 

[davekp]

If you need a quick replacement for a strain screw, an 8-32 Grade 8 cap screw can be ground to any length you desire in a few seconds.
Available at any complete hardware store.

Actually, no. The head is way too big. A 8-32 SET screw will work but since it doesn't have a head you'll need to Loctite it in.

 

[WR Moore]

How about an 8-32 Allen/Torx head bolt?

For that matter, you could chuck the screw in a drill and use a file to reduce the diameter of the head.

 

[OKFC05]

Actually, no. The head is way too big. A 8-32 SET screw will work but since it doesn't have a head you'll need to Loctite it in.

Actually, yes. I simply grind the head down to the proper diameter and grind the tip to length and shape.
I have 8-32 capscrews in both my primary and back up competition Model 66s. I needed a strain screw slightly longer than stock for a custom strutted mainspring to get the 7 # pull I wanted.
Of course, you have to have access to a grinder and know how to use it.

 

[tomcatt51]

I use 8-32 socket set screws and either 222 or 290 loctite. If I was in the "the strain screw must be fully tightened" camp I'd use 8-32 button heads with the head OD turned down to fit.