S&W Extractor Pins

[Snubster]

Would there be any reason a gunsmith would purposely remove the extractor pins in a S&W 19-3?

I have a 2.5-incher that came that way to me with them missing awhile back. I always meant to get some replacements (when parts were plentiful), but I noticed Numrich is out of them (haven't checked elsewhere yet).

If they are important, I should check around more earnestly or make my own. I just find it odd both were missing. The gun obviously has been through an action tuning--just wondering if this was something popular to do back in the day for reasons I can't think of.

Is it safe to assume I have nothing to worry about as long as I always have brass in the holes to maintain alignment?

 

[1911Tuner]

Possible...if the original cylinder and star have been replaced with the new style somewhere along the line. Are the holes still there?

 

[Snubster]

It's still the old style...holes still there. I'm pretty sure the gun was tuned for some sort of competition. It has target everything. Even a yellow front sight insert.

 

[1911Tuner]

That's odd. Never run into that before.

 

[rcmodel]

Me neither.
I think I'd put them back though.

They actually help serve a purpose in exactly aligning the star with the chambers.

Seems like anyone using speed-loaders in competition would want them there.

They measure .055", so a #54 drill bit shank should work to make them out of.

rc

 

[Snubster]

Thanks guys! And thanks for the drill bit idea rc.

 

[Confederate]

It may be that the pins may have something to do with cases getting stuck under the extractor...or...the gunsmith could have forgotten to put them back in when he was done tuning the gun.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Another idea is cut a throttle/choke pull cable to length and tap in. That's what I did to replace one that was lost on my Mod 19...Be sure to round the end that will be sticking up...