I just purchased a S&W M29 4”. Usually when you open the cylinder you can spend it freely with the ejector rod. The gun locks up tight and it has not been shot much at all.

I was wondering if someone could tell me if this is an issue or it just needs to be shot more?

Is the problem that it does not spin freely??

If so, that's not normal. If it truly hasn't been shot "much" it may just be gummed up with old oil & needs disassembly/cleaning.

If it's been shot "more" it's probably dirty & the same disassembly/cleaning is needed.

While less likely, but definitely possible, it could have some damage needing more attention.

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Not Employee of the Month

Thank you.

And here is another (possible) solution.

Remove the stocks and spray the affected area with aerosol brake cleaner (it's not supposed to affect metal or finishes but I would wipe it off quickly). That should remove any accumulated crud. Then lightly re-lubricate, which will solve the problem if the area was just dry. Let us know what happens?

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Alan
SWCA 2023, SWHF 220

Would pulling out the cylinder and soaking in Balistol. Let it set and then wipe it down might do the trick?

I would remove the yoke and then cylinder from yoke and do a good cleaning, put a drop of oil on the yoke tube. Then see how the cylinder turns on yoke before reinstalling. If it drags there is there a burr on gas ring or end of yoke tube? Then install and check to make sure that the rear of the cylinder was not dragging on the frame lug

Does the ejector rod look nice and straight and does it function normally -- i.e., when you swing out the cylinder, does it move the ejector star to full extension and spring back as it should?

Without any disassembly, you should be able to put a little Ballistol on both ends of the rod, wipe it down, and work it back and forth. See if that does any good.

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They lack our altruism.

Yes sir it all looks good and operates great. I think the guy so bought it from has used some kind of “gunk” for lubricant.

My 1980 M29-2 spins freely.

You should take off the cylinder, disassemble the yoke assembly, and make sure it's all clean and lubed.

If that doesn't solve your problem, there may be something bent or some other issue like a burr somewhere that should be removed.

You'd think that would wipe off. I guess disassembly is the next step.

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They lack our altruism.

You guys are gigantic geniuses. When I begin taking it apart it was almost like they used axle grease and put it away never to be touched again. It took me a long time to clean it, but it is now as smooth as it can be. Just like butter. The cylinder turns freely and lock up is just as tight as ever.

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YIUR HELP. I am relieved I didn’t buy a piece a junk.