[DHENRY]

Since the members here seem to be pretty interested in all things Smith & Wesson, I thought everybody would appreciate this photo of the mechanism that served to hold the yoke open during loading and ejection.
The tiny pin in the yoke is spring-loaded; it rests in the (visible) detent in the frame.
Very smooth, and really works well.
Once upon a time, pre-WW II, N-frame and many K-frame revolvers had this neat feature.
There are pins available from Numrich (the springs, too) as replacements for those on the M-1917.
I generally have to turn the pin down a bit and then polish it up.
The gun, by the way, is a 1928 .44 HE Second model.
Don

 

[bmcgilvray]

Thanks for the informative post.

I thought it was a nice little feature. Even after knowing about them for many years I still managed to lose the one in my Model of 1926 .44 fairly recently. Had no idea that one could be had. I'll have to order one.

 

[DHENRY]

Bryan,
Scores of those little pins have sailed through the air, off to oblivion! :lol:
Usually, the little spring is still down there, gunked-up.
I have made several pins out of properly-sized (extra) drill bits.
Heat 'em to de-harden, cut and shape and re-harden, then reblue and...VOILA...instant new/old pin.
On a .44 HE Third, they're really nice to have.
Don

 

[Rodbuster]

Neat post Don, I have more than one pre-war N frame missing the pin. Are these staked in, or are they held in place some other way? Maybe we could do a group buy of these parts.

 

[kritter]

the pins are not staked in,they are held in place by the yoke sitting in the frame..however as Don said.. sometimes they can be "gummed up" and stuck in place or they have been "launched" somewhere into outerspace....( thats where i think they go.. i've yet to find missing ones in my work room) :lol:
on the other hand..i've found out that yes ,extra drill bits make wonderful replacements and a cut down spring from a "bic" lighter also works well for that spring that also has a habit of disapearing
i've learned form expearance... :ymsigh:

 

[Guest]

Yes, the Brazilian 1917 has the detent, as well as a 1941 pre Victory. It's surprising how far they can be launched!