First Impressions of Cylinder & Slide Smith & Wesson Revolver Extra Length Firing Pin For New Style Revolvers
Revolver reliability, especially when customized, can be a delicate balancing act. The Cylinder & Slide Smith & Wesson Revolver Extra Length Firing Pin For New Style Revolvers promises to enhance ignition reliability in modern S&W revolvers. Cylinder & Slide is known for quality components, so this firing pin immediately piqued my interest, especially since action jobs can sometimes reduce the factory pin’s protrusion. The goal is consistent primer strikes, and this product seemed like a simple and effective solution.
My experience with revolvers spans years, from competition shooting to hunting sidearms, so I understand the importance of consistent ignition. I’ve seen firsthand how a light primer strike can turn a trophy buck into a missed opportunity or cost valuable points in a match. This firing pin aims to mitigate that risk, offering peace of mind.
The need arose after completing a trigger job on my S&W 686. The lighter springs improved the trigger pull immensely but resulted in occasional light strikes with certain brands of ammunition. I was seeking a way to restore 100% ignition reliability without sacrificing the improved trigger feel.
Upon receiving the Cylinder & Slide Smith & Wesson Revolver Extra Length Firing Pin For New Style Revolvers, the first thing I noticed was its clean machining. The firing pin appeared well-made and precisely dimensioned, giving me confidence in its potential. It certainly felt like a higher-quality component than the MIM (Metal Injection Molded) factory pin I removed.
While I considered other options, like shimming the existing firing pin, that felt like a temporary fix. I chose the Cylinder & Slide product because it offered a dedicated solution designed to solve the problem, not just mask it. My initial impression was positive; this firing pin looked like it could deliver on its promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cylinder & Slide Smith & Wesson Revolver Extra Length Firing Pin For New Style Revolvers to the Test
First Use Experience
The initial test of the Cylinder & Slide Smith & Wesson Revolver Extra Length Firing Pin For New Style Revolvers took place at my local shooting range. I specifically brought a variety of ammunition, including some known for harder primers, to stress-test the new firing pin. The conditions were ideal – a controlled environment with ample opportunity to diagnose any issues.
Installation was straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a few minutes of my time. Immediately, I noticed a more pronounced primer strike indentation across all ammunition types. There were absolutely no failures to fire out of the first 100 rounds.
The ease of installation was a welcome surprise. I was expecting some degree of fitting might be required, but the Cylinder & Slide firing pin dropped right into place. No issues arose during this initial range session, building my confidence in its reliability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use and hundreds of rounds fired, the Cylinder & Slide Smith & Wesson Revolver Extra Length Firing Pin For New Style Revolvers has performed flawlessly. I’ve used it in temperatures ranging from below freezing to well over 90 degrees, with consistent results. The revolver has been used in practical shooting competitions and carried as a sidearm during hiking trips.
The firing pin shows no signs of wear or deformation, indicating its robust construction. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the revolver’s action are still performed as part of my standard maintenance routine. There have been zero failures to fire since installing the Cylinder & Slide firing pin.
Compared to my previous experience with the factory firing pin after the trigger job, the Cylinder & Slide product is a clear winner. It restored the revolver’s reliability without sacrificing the improved trigger feel. This firing pin has more than exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Cylinder & Slide Smith & Wesson Revolver Extra Length Firing Pin For New Style Revolvers
Specifications
The Cylinder & Slide Smith & Wesson Revolver Extra Length Firing Pin For New Style Revolvers is designed specifically for Smith & Wesson “new style” revolvers with frame-mounted firing pins. The “new style” refers to models produced after S&W transitioned from hammer-mounted firing pins. It’s compatible with a wide range of S&W revolvers, including K, L, and N frame models.
The key specification is its extra length, which allows for more reliable primer ignition, especially in revolvers with lightened hammer springs or modified actions. The firing pin is precision machined from high-quality steel for durability and consistent performance. Cylinder & Slide does not provide the exact material type, but it appears to be a hardened tool steel.
The enhanced length ensures a positive strike, even with harder primers or slight variations in cartridge seating depth. This small change can significantly improve reliability. The precision machining ensures proper fitment and function within the revolver’s action.
Performance & Functionality
The Cylinder & Slide Smith & Wesson Revolver Extra Length Firing Pin For New Style Revolvers excels at its primary job: ensuring reliable primer ignition. It consistently delivers strong, positive strikes, even with ammunition that previously caused issues. The enhanced length compensates for any reduction in hammer force due to lightened springs.
The firing pin’s strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. The design is straightforward, but the precision manufacturing and correct dimensions are crucial for optimal performance. It completely resolves the light-strike issue I encountered after the trigger job.
There are no obvious weaknesses; the product performs exactly as intended. The Cylinder & Slide firing pin meets and exceeds my expectations for a replacement firing pin.
Design & Ergonomics
The firing pin itself is not something you handle directly during operation, so ergonomics are not really applicable. The build quality is excellent; the material appears strong and durable. The pin is precisely machined to ensure a smooth and consistent fit within the revolver’s action.
The installation is simple and requires no specialized tools or gunsmithing experience. There’s no real learning curve associated with the Cylinder & Slide firing pin.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience and the quality of materials, I expect the Cylinder & Slide Smith & Wesson Revolver Extra Length Firing Pin For New Style Revolvers to last for many years. The pin’s design and robust construction should withstand the rigors of regular use.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply cleaning and lubricating the firing pin channel during routine revolver maintenance is sufficient. Repair should not be necessary under normal conditions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cylinder & Slide Smith & Wesson Revolver Extra Length Firing Pin For New Style Revolvers is a standalone replacement part and doesn’t come with any specific accessories. It is a component that enhances the functionality of other customizations, such as trigger jobs. While no customization options exist for the pin itself, it is often used as part of a larger customization process.
It is designed to work seamlessly with existing S&W revolver components and aftermarket parts. It does not require any modifications to the revolver itself.
Pros and Cons of Cylinder & Slide Smith & Wesson Revolver Extra Length Firing Pin For New Style Revolvers
Pros
- Restores ignition reliability in revolvers with lightened hammer springs.
- Easy to install with basic tools.
- Precision machined for consistent performance and durability.
- Relatively inexpensive upgrade compared to other gunsmithing solutions.
- Compatible with a wide range of S&W “new style” revolvers.
Cons
- Only addresses ignition issues; it doesn’t improve other aspects of the revolver.
- May not be necessary for revolvers with factory springs and actions.
Who Should Buy Cylinder & Slide Smith & Wesson Revolver Extra Length Firing Pin For New Style Revolvers?
The Cylinder & Slide Smith & Wesson Revolver Extra Length Firing Pin For New Style Revolvers is perfect for revolver enthusiasts who have performed trigger jobs or modified their S&W revolvers. It’s also beneficial for those experiencing occasional light strikes with certain ammunition types. It’s a simple fix for shooters who want to ensure 100% ignition reliability.
Those who should skip this product are owners of S&W revolvers with factory-standard actions and springs. If you’re not experiencing light strikes, there’s no need to replace the firing pin. Also, it’s not for use in the older hammer-mounted firing pin S&W revolvers.
A must-have accessory is a proper set of gunsmithing screwdrivers to avoid damaging the revolver’s frame during installation. No other modifications are necessary.
Conclusion on Cylinder & Slide Smith & Wesson Revolver Extra Length Firing Pin For New Style Revolvers
The Cylinder & Slide Smith & Wesson Revolver Extra Length Firing Pin For New Style Revolvers is a simple, effective, and affordable solution for restoring ignition reliability in modified S&W revolvers. Its precision machining and easy installation make it a worthwhile upgrade for anyone experiencing light strikes.
The price of $11.63 is more than justified by the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that your revolver will fire reliably, even with a lightened trigger pull, is invaluable.
I would absolutely recommend the Cylinder & Slide Smith & Wesson Revolver Extra Length Firing Pin For New Style Revolvers to anyone who has modified their S&W revolver’s action and is experiencing light strikes. If you value reliability and consistent performance, this is a must-have upgrade. Don’t let a light primer strike ruin your range day or hunting trip; invest in the Cylinder & Slide firing pin and shoot with confidence.