K-38 hammer mounted firing pin

[inthebeech]

My pre-1959 (which means two things - I don't know with any further accuracy exactly when it was made, and I only know what I do because of the hassle I lived through in trying to teach gun parts suppliers the difference between left and right handed threads (ejector rod thread was reversed in 1959)) has a firing pin that pivots a small amount - perhaps five degrees.  It looks to be designed this way (no identifiable wear or mushrooming anywhere in this area) but if it is supposed to be pinned in its slot firmly with no movement, I'd have to get it corrected.
I hope I can leave it alone because it shoots a ragged hole at twenty paces with scrap lead cast 148's and 3 gr bullseye.  It has absolutely perfect cast bullet throat and groove dimensions.
Thanks.

[gunnut69]

The movement you describe is normal. The early S&W are extremely fine revolvers.. The current crop I really can't comment on. My last interaction with S&W customer service on the other hand wasn't positive. A M60 (very early one with almost no use) had a cracked hammer picot. These pins are pressed into the sidewall of the revolver and the hammer rotates on the shaft. The oposite end of the shaft fits in a recess in the sideplate to provide some support. The early stainless steel guns such as this had problems with embrittlement until the SS alloy was worked out. In a nutshell they sent a bill for replacement which included nearly $200 charge for refinishing.. for the installation of a less than $3 part..that broke due to strss fracturing.. It chrystalized..  Customer service doesn't mean as much to the new S&W as it did in the past..

If you wish you can PM me the serial number and I'll attempt to find the manufacturing date if you wish...

[Dee]

It is exactly as it should be, and I much prefer that type of firing pin in comparison to the new rebounding type which does not react well to repeated dry firing without caps.