Terrier Parts Interchangeability and Availability

[JH1951]

I have a 38/32 Terrier Improved I-Frame, 4-screw, SN 778XX, that shipped February, 1956. This gun came to me with an issue where the 'bolt' just flops around with no spring tension. It seems that a previous owner likely launched the bolt spring and plunger into space and put it back together without the orbiting parts.
So, I need a bolt spring and plunger for the above model, but am having problems finding them specifically for the 4-screw Terrier.
My questions are:
1) Are the spring and plunger interchangeable with other models (such as the Chiefs Special, Regulation Police, etc.), and if so, which ones?
2) Where do you recommend that I 'find' these small parts?
Your comments and suggestions are quite welcome.
I'd like to get the issue resolved.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Here is a picture showing how the bolt has no spring tension to bring it forward as it should be:

 

[mikepriwer]

If you have a set of number drills, or know someone who has a set, pick out the drill bit that fits the hole in the end of the bolt, BUT the next size larger drill bit is too large, and will not fit. The one that fits is the correct diameter for that bolt, and that is the one that you would want for that gun. If you can't find one, you can make one from the drill bit.

Presumably the one you can buy would come with its spring. If not, you might find a spring in a hardware store, that will fit. Or, a good gunsmith can make one for you.

Good luck, Mike Priwer

 

[Retired W4]

I got a spring and plunger from Jack First. I had to shorten the plunger but that was an easy fix. It was for a K frame as I remember.

 

[Hondo44]

Post a want ad in this forum’s classified section, check eBay and gunbroker, or Google gun parts.

Not that it makes a difference for the parts that you need, but just FYI: your I frame with 4 screws in the side plate from 1956 is the model of 1953 NEW I Frame. One evolutionary step newer than the Improved I Frame-2nd version.

 

[Martyk]

Another couple of sources are Numrich Gun parts in NY state and Bob's Gun parts in AR.

 

[mikepriwer]

If you can find the number drill bit that fits, try pushing it back and forth in the hole. It's possible that the original spring is still in the hole, at the bottom.

Mike Priwer

 

[JH1951]

Can anyone address: Are the Terrier spring and plunger interchangeable with other models (such as the Chiefs Special, Regulation Police, etc.), and if so, which ones?
The answer to this will help me quite a bit.

 

[Hondo44]

It’s dangerous to say with certainty without trying each and every model but I’ll offer the following:

It’s very likely any of the I frame parts you need are the same until they ended in 1961.

Such as the .32 Hand Ejector & Regulation police, .38 Terrier & RP, and the .22 Kit Gun & Target.

The J frame Chiefs Special .38 Spl models are probably the same as well.

The closer the vintage to yours is probably the best chance of using the same exact parts.