Well, as a follow-up, I recently took my PT99 slide only and rear sight to a local industrial nut and bolt shop to see if they could match either a dowel or roll pin for the rear sight. They had a minimum charge of $10 or $15 and although I didn't like having to pay that amount for a measly little pin, if they even had one, I was prepared to do so believing that even that would be less costly than ordering from Taurus.
I explained the situation to the guy that waited on me and he went in the back to see if he could find a pin to match. He came back several minutes later with a SS dowel pin that seemed to fit just fine and was the correct length also. When I attempted to bite the bullet and pay the minimum for this minute little pin the clerk just said "it's ok". I said "what?", and he said "ok" again and then I got his drift and thanked him and left the store.
Every once in a while you find a person that's willing to help you without trying to gouge you. This clerk created more good will by doing that seemingly insignificant deed than probably placing an ad in the local rag, since I will now pass the word to anyone I may encounter in the business to patronize this particular place for all of their nut and bolt needs.
Bottom line is that I'm happier than a pig in sh*t now since I can once again take my 9mm pistol to the range and fire it. ;D
