Broken optic mount screw in M&P CORE, any advice?

[AGFNTB]

I just had one of my optic mount screws break while shooting this afternoon. I am wondering if anyone else has experience with a broken screw in slide and how you removed the broken screw.

When I went to release my slide to shoot I noticed the optic was loose. I ejected the mag, then when I turned the gun over to eject the chambered round the top half of the screw fell out. I was able to remove the second screw normally, and remove the optic, but the first screw is broken flush with the top of the slide.

Any advice before I dive into this thing? I'm not sure if a #1 screw extractor will work, but that is what I am leaning toward trying if no one has a better suggestion.

Thanks in advance.

[God Bless America]

if no threadlocker was used, it should come right out. carefully drill a hole in it if you can drill straight, then an ez-out should remove it with finger pressure.

you might be able to unscrew it with a prick punch and a small hammer if you know how.

['ol shooter]

Take it over to Bolsa Gunsmithing in Westminster, an authorized S&W repair station. They will probably warranty the repair.

http://www.bolsagunsmithing.com/

[AGFNTB]

Thanks guys.

I decided to try to extract it myself. I started with a 0.078" drill bit in my drill press, but it did not leave a big enough hole for the #1 extractor. So I followed with a 0.082" bit. Man was that close. It left very little screw wall and was barely able to let the #1 extractor catch. WHEW!

Screw is now removed, but I wonder what made it break. I suspect it may be a defect in the screw as the RMR housing is composite and I never overtightened the screws out of fear of cracking the housing.