SW 29-2 barrel pin “walking”

[Kevenn]

I shot about a 1/2 box the day I got this model last week. One thing I did notice is the barrel pin drifted out to the right slightly during the range session (or it already was I’m not sure). I was able to lightly tap it back so it was even on both sides. I did see where this has happened with other users…any ideas or just an anomaly? I will shoot it again this weekend so I’ll keep my eye on it. If it happens again, any ideas to fix it for good? Does just this little pin actually secure the entire barrel to the frame? It seems like more would be needed. Thank you for any help.

 

[Photog]

The barrel is screwed in, the pin, IIRC, was to prevent the barrel from turning, although I never have heard of that happening. Having pulled a few barrels off, I can tell you that when you take the pin out, it still takes a considerable force to unscrew the barrel. I think it was a bit of "over engineering", but that is fine. As for a fix, if it happens again, I think the least "invasive" or likely to cause any marring to the finish, is to put a drop of loctite on it. Might work, might not, but to me that is what i would try.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Iffen you have the right cup punches. You can tap the pin out. Put a slight bend in the middle and tap it back in and it won't move.

 

[stansdds]

The pin does not actually retain the barrel, the barrel is still a crush fit into the frame. I agree with Mike, SC Hunter, if you have the right cup punch, gently tap out the pit, put the tiniest bend into the middle of the pin, then reseat the pin. I guess you could also use something like blue Locktite, but the bend is probably the best bet for keeping that pin where it belongs.

 

[Hawg Rider]

The pin does not actually retain the barrel, the barrel is still a crush fit into the frame. I agree with Mike, SC Hunter, if you have the right cup punch, gently tap out the pit, put the tiniest bend into the middle of the pin, then reseat the pin. I guess you could also use something like blue Locktite, but the bend is probably the best bet for keeping that pin where it belongs.

I've been successful with this method (remove and slightly bend the pin, apply blue or red Loctite) to front sight pins and barrel pins. Very easy DIY job.

 

[Truckman]

I've been successful with this method (remove and slightly bend the pin, apply blue or red Loctite) to front sight pins and barrel pins. Very easy DIY job.

That brings up a question...Should any of the pins be removed in one direction or another?......Ben

 

[Protocall_Design]

All the pins are straight and can go in or out from either direction.

 

[Kevenn]

Thank you all. I think I’ll try the loctite method first. If that doesn’t work I can always try to give it a slight bend. I’m going to shoot again this weekend first to see if it even walks anymore.

 

[Photog]

Thank you all. I think I’ll try the loctite method first. If that doesn’t work I can always try to give it a slight bend. I’m going to shoot again this weekend first to see if it even walks anymore.

Make sure and clean the pin, I use rubbing alcohol, and also the hole it goes into before you apply the loctite. If there is oil in the hole or on the pin, you will not get the benefit of the loctite.

 

[stansdds]

Yes, when using Loctite, 100% clean and oil-free surfaces are required.

 

[Kevenn]

I ran about 24 rounds thru it. A mix of factory 44mag HPs, some hard cast, and a few 44spcl HPs as well. I kept a close eye on the barrel pin, and it didn’t drift at all…so maybe I’m good to go! Thank you

 

[243winxb]

Hard cast may help lock pin in place?

 

[BC38]

I've been successful with this method (remove and slightly bend the pin, apply blue or red Loctite) to front sight pins and barrel pins. Very easy DIY job.

^^^DITTO^^^
Good advice. Been there done that...

 

[Kevenn]

Hard cast may help lock pin in place?

Hello what did you mean by this? Firing hard cast bullets would help?