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Thread: Smith carbine flash channel screw length?

  1. #1
    Kevin Tinny is offline
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    Smith carbine flash channel screw length?

    Hello:

    I have what was an unfired, Second Model Smith carbine #10,554.

    It is 100% original and unaltered. Close inspection viewing through the bolster nipple cavity shows that the "clean-out" (sorry Lou) screw extends two full threads into the round flash opening. The carbine fires perfectly and very accurately, with never any issues for approximately 400 shots to date.

    Is this screw length and thread protrusion normal in an original, please?
    With all the craftsmanship that the "Chicopee complex" put into Smiths, there must have been a reason, if anyone now can share that, too, please? Thanks.

    Kevin Tinny
    Last edited by Kevin Tinny; 06-05-2018 at 09:07 AM.

  2. #2
    hawkeye2 is offline
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    I believe that Kevin is saying his screw is 2 threads longer than it needs to be and not just 2 threads long. As long as it functions as it should the extra threads aren't an issue. The only problem you might encounter is fi the exposed threads rust and you go to remove the screw. The corroded threads could damage the female threads as you remove the screw. I would be tempted to replace the screw with one of the exact length, bag & label the original to go with the gun for a collector.

  3. #3
    Kevin Tinny is offline
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    Thanks, guys:

    Yes, two threads longer than needs be. If those two were not there, the end of the screw would be just at the edge of the hole.

    Is this normal on an original, please?
    Won't cut it. Has to be that way for a reason.

    Tx again,
    Kevin Tinny

  4. #4
    Muley Gil is offline
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    "Pitches" might be the term you are looking for.

  6. #6
    John Bly is offline
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    I just repaired a Pietta Smith carbine in which the cleanout screw blew out. The screw only had about 1 thread holding it. It was destined to fail. The nipple hole had been drilled about .700" deep leaving no material on the side of the bolster for the screw to engage with. I tapped the hole to depth with a bottom tap. I screwed a 5/16-24 bolt into the hole and measured the depth it was engaged. I removed it and cut it to a length for a proper nipple fit. I loctited it in place and redrilled the flash hole and connecting hole down from the nipple. I tapped the end of the flash channel 10-32 and made a new screw with the length just to sit flush with the hole down from the nipple. The threads for the new screw are almost entirely in the insert. It is now safe to shoot.

    I don't know how many of these are out there like this but they are all destined to blow out the screw. One thread is just not enough engagement for any sized screw to hold up to repeated usage.

  7. #7
    Randall is offline
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    Eggman, where did you get your replacement clean out screw?

    Thanks

  8. #8
    singleshot is offline
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    Smith Clean Out Screw

    Not all that sure but they were probably made that way to help funnel the flame into the main channel. That would be my assumption as to why the screw extends into the main channel.
    .






    TE]

  9. #9
    singleshot is offline
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    Metric Smith Clean Out Screw

    Macmaster-Carr located in NJ carries a low profile slotted screw that can be purchased @ how ever many U want.

  10. #10
    bobanderson is offline
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