My cylinder will not release to unload rounds, rotates manually or when hammer is pulled back. Any suggestions before I send to gunsmith?

First check that the extractor rod is screwed in properly.

Thanks, will check asap.

Rotation for tightening is L/H thread, BTW. Pretty common occurence to have it back out and prevent cylinder opening, when it has not been properly tightened.

"....will not release to unload rounds,..... or when hammer is pulled back."

That part of it is working the way it should! The hammer blocks the "bolt" from moving when the hammer is cocked!

It isn't the "Cylinder Release", the part is called the "Thumb piece", it's the "piece your thumb pushes against. The thumb piece is attached to the bolt. They are pushed forward to un-latch the cylinder.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

I think the OP meant that the cylinder rotates manually and rotates when the hammer is cocked....first time this happened on my 19 I had to gently use a small screwdriver to depress the plunger where the ejector rod is up inside the barrel shroud. Then I could open the cylinder and tighten the rod

__________________
Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760