Hand Ejector 38 Spl Hand Spring Missing

jmiles1960 · #1 06-10-2018, 07:53 PM

I have an S&W Hand Ejector #430068, with a 5" bbl in 38 special. The hand will not rotate the cylinder, so I removed the side plate and found the hand has no tension, and the hand spring appears to be missing from the trigger.

I would appreciate help on how to replace the spring. I understand there were different spring setups used on this model. The hand has only one pin that goes into the trigger. I am not sure what type of spring this gun should have.

Thanks in advance. I will try and post pics later.

mikepriwer · #2 06-10-2018, 08:40 PM

Check the inside of the sideplate. There should be a pin projecting into the channel that also houses the hand. That pin is spring-loaded. Sounds like that pin is stuck, maybe with dirt. Try putting a few drops of penetrating oil on it, and let is soak a while.

Mike Priwer

jmiles1960 · #3 06-10-2018, 09:14 PM

Mike - you are exactly right! I noticed the pin when I disassembled the gun, but didn't realize it was tension for the hand. I have cleaned and freed up the pin so it moves freely.

Any suggestions on how to get the side plate back on? The pin in the side plate channel needs to go in to clear the hand. I tried a few attempts and decided there must be a right way to do this and avoid damage.

Thanks for the help. - Jim

glowe · #4 06-10-2018, 09:24 PM

I usually take the cylinder assembly off the gun if I am going to remove the sideplate. I think that might allow the hand to protrude further forward. Push the hand as far forward as possible, making sure it does not move when you put the sideplate back on. This method works for my 1920s M&Ps.

mikepriwer · #5 06-11-2018, 02:14 AM

Try Gary's suggestion. Also, with the sideplate off, put tension on the back of the hand,
so that it engages the cylinder ratchet, and then double, or single, action the revolver.
See if the cylinder rotates and locks up, from charge hole to charge hole.

Under normal conditions, the hand should seat into its slot in the frame, all the way forward, and then the sideplate should fit OK. If the hand is not going far enough forward, there is probably some dirt, or other buildup, between it and the frame. Clean all that out, and then try the testing over again.

The hand needs to be able to move forward until it rides up against the frame. Otherwise, it won't engage the ratchet on the back of the cylinder.

Regards, Mike Priwer

jmiles1960 · #6 06-11-2018, 07:48 AM

Mike and Gary - thanks for the help. I will let you know how it turns out.

jmiles1960 · #7 06-29-2018, 06:48 PM

Sweet success. Another Hand Ejector S&W is back in service! I appreciate the help. You guys were right. I just needed to thoroughly clean all parts and the frame to remove all rust, and the action is working smoothly. The side plate with the hammer spring was new to me... the advice to open the cylinder and move the hand forward as much as possible worked perfectly to drop the side plate back on with no problem.

Thanks again for the help. I'll try and get some pictures posted. Not the best looking 5" Hand Ejector in 38 special, but somehow what I think are the original grips survived. She's a keeper regardless.