Smith & Wesson Model 51 J Frame Thumb Piece & Nut Blue Steel .22 Magnum, Part# 51157
$22.99
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Smith & Wesson Model 51 J Frame Thumb Piece & Nut Blue Steel .22 Magnum, Part# 51157
$22.99
Smith & Wesson Model 51 Thumb Piece & Nut – Part# 51157
This is a genuine factory Smith & Wesson thumb piece and nut for the J Frame Model 51 revolver chambered in .22 Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). An old-style used blue steel part in serviceable condition — a cost-effective solution for replacing a worn, damaged, or missing cylinder release latch on your Model 51.
The thumb piece (also called the cylinder release latch or cylinder latch) is the lever on the left side of the frame that you push forward to unlock and swing the cylinder out for loading and unloading. The nut secures the thumb piece to the frame. A worn, bent, or broken thumb piece prevents the cylinder from opening reliably — a critical function for any revolver.
Part Details
- Part Number: 51157
- Part Name: Thumb Piece & Nut (Cylinder Release Latch)
- Finish: Blue Steel
- Condition: Used, factory original (old style)
- Frame: J Frame
- Caliber: .22 Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR / .22 M.R.F.)
- Includes: Thumb piece + securing nut
- Function: Releases cylinder latch to allow cylinder to swing out for loading/unloading
Model Compatibility
| Model | Caliber | Finish | Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model 51 | .22 Magnum (.22 WMR) | Blue Steel | ✅ Yes |
| Model 53 | .22 Jet / .22 LR | Blue Steel | ⚠️ Verify fitment |
| Model 63 | .22 LR (rimfire) | Stainless | ❌ Different finish & caliber |
| Model 36 / 37 | .38 Special | Blue / Alloy | ⚠️ Verify fitment — centerfire, same frame |
| Model 60 | .38 Special / .357 Mag | Stainless | ❌ Different finish |
| K / L / N Frame | Various | — | ❌ Different frame size |
Note: The Model 51 is chambered in .22 Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) — not .22 LR. This thumb piece is blue steel finish — not compatible with stainless J Frame revolvers. Thumb pieces are frame-specific and finish-specific. Always confirm your exact model and finish before ordering. Model numbers are stamped on the frame behind the yoke when the cylinder is swung out.
Installation
Thumb piece and nut replacement requires side plate removal and careful disassembly of the cylinder latch assembly. We recommend installation by a qualified gunsmith to ensure correct fit and reliable cylinder release function.
Questions about fitment? Call or email us — we're happy to help.