I've stated this point in the past - now I'll state it again.

Anytime a used S&W revolver is having or seems to be having a problem . . . the very first thing to do is to totally dissasemble it and clean every part/piece. This takes away dirt that may be causing the problem(s), cause this can happen.

After a total internal cleaning of parts, then reassemble and check to see if the problem(s) are still there. If so, then you can continue on with an appropriate repair and/or adjustment.

We never encountered dirty guns at the factory, cause the only revolvers we worked on were brand new. So any problems in assembly/fitting could be attacked straight on without the need for a total cleaning.

The cylinder notches are often times forgotten to be cleaned real well. I use a tootpick and Q Tips to make them sqeaky clean.

Note: The total dissassebly of a S&W revovler is only for a factory trained aromorer