Hi all, I just bought a pre 27 with the following problem. When you cycle the pistol quickly (double action) the cylinder will go past the stop. If you cock the pistol quickly (single action) the cylinder will go past the stop. This does not happen on every chamber. If you cock it or cycle it at a normal speed it doesn't have that problem. I've cleaned it thoroughly and lightly oiled it. Any suggestions?

I had the same problem with a model 36 no dash. Ultimately it was the cylinder stop that was not catching. I bought a reprint of the S&W armourers manual from the NRA book store at NRA headquarters that had a problem and answer section (Good Book!). I took the gun apart and took out the stop and filed two different areas that was described in the book. It worked perfectly after I put it back together, but I followed the book exactly. I had never taken a Smith that far apart, but this gun was about 75% condition and I wanted to fix it without spending a lot of money. If you decide to do this on a nice pre27, I would practice taking apart something that you don't mind scratching before I touched the 27.

Call the NRA book store, the book was cheap and it has numerous illustrations to follow if you are a little mechanically inclined.

I am sure there are many more people on this forum that can give you better advice, but I am shooting and carrying that old 36. Good luck!

The problem you described with the cylinder rotating past the indexed-for-firing position can be caused by several things:

1. dirt, firing residue, or dried oil preventing the cylinder stop from popping fully out of it's window.

2. weak or kinked cylinder stop spring preventing it from engaging the cylinder.

3. peened or burred edges on the cylinder stop cuts on the cylinder preventing stop from engaging.

4. a combination of any of these factors.

Resolution should start with a good cleaning. Detailed disassembly if possible, or solvent washing if not. Clean, dry, relubricate, and check action again. Detailed examination with magnifying glass and good light.

Let us know what you find.

Thanks for your replies. I disassembled it tonight and cleaned it with a gun blaster type product. I found a slight buildup between the cyl stop and the frame. Also, I found heavy grease (old Lube?) in the cyl stop spring passageway. I blew everything dry with compressed air, reassembled and lubed with RemOil. The problem went away! Thanks, Steve