I have read on here in more that a couple of posts how folks will have a part jump out on them when they are disassembling a gun for cleaning or repair. They then speak as how they spent a long time in frustration trying to find the part.
When I started my gunsmithing shop years ago (now closed), I would have parts taking off and landing in the worst areas to get them out of, if I could find them. After a couple of years of this, I found a cure.
First off, don't tear it down on a hard surface or even a rubber surface. Parts just love to bounce off them. Find a piece of very dense open pile rug and use that as the surface of the table. Make it around 2 foot by 3 or so. Use this rug ONLY for disassembly and assembly. You don't want any stray metal filings or crap to scratch your guns. using this, I found that almost every piece that flies at the table gets caught in the rug and does not bounce away.
Second, wear a shop apron. It is amazing how many times parts will just roll off the bench or go fly, hit your chest, and then land on your apron.
Third and last, go to K-mart or Walmart and get yourself a really nice big fluffy beach towel and a smaller standard size.
When you are disassembling or assembling and find yourself in a situation that MIGHT have a part fly at you, set everything up for the procedure, and then cover the gun, your hands , and any thing else you need to with the towel. Cover your head and make a pup tent if you have to see! (just don't let your wife wind you at that moment. It could be embarassing)
So often, it is so worth it not to lose that part and then have to make another, search at numrich, or pray you can find it.
Bion Rogers
PS There is nothing wose than to work on a european shotgun and have a metric detent ball and spring fly away to neverland. Durn hard to find replacements!!!