• 357 model 19-3. Hammer is locked forward. Thumb cylinder release is also forward. To retract hammer thumb release must be pushed back. Not sure how it got into this situation. The extractor was loose and holding the cylinder. As I fiddled with the mechanism to release the cylinder I must’ve done something else. The cylinder is now free but will not lock in place.

Gunsmith time IMHO.

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No baby we aint

Welcome to the Forum.

Sounds like the ejector rod may be loose. It has left hand threads. Put some empty cases in the cylinder and pad the rod with leather, or use a wooden clothes pin and tighten the rod.

It may also need a good cleaning.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Miley Gil left out one small comment. These are fine threads so do not overtighten. Hand tight plus is what I recommend.

Pad the rod, lock rod in vise, two or three cases in chambers to keep star immobilized, snug up with one hand. When snug, use both hands for lust a little bit more.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

Like oil filter on a car. Hand tight and then a 90 degree turn

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

I think you should keep your comments to the auto section of the forum.

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Stang1911

You may not posses the skills or proper tools to "fix" your S&W just yet , if so , a trip to local gunsmith is in order ... as Rudi in post #2 suggests.
I learned by watching our local smith put back what I couldn't fathom what was going on and a good set of gunsmithing screwdrivers is a must have . My local guy told me I should stop "fixing" my own guns ... I was doing more harm than good ... some of us aren't meant to be gunsmith's ... I know I'm not one .
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

I have a 19-3. I have learned to check that backwards threaded extractor every time I reload it. I do not like to use locktite on a Smith, and I do not like to over tighten, so I check often. All sorts of weird things happen when the extractor rod starts to loosen up.

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Kind regards, Heinz

Anytime the cylinder release is forward, the hammer will be blocked from moving.

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protocalldesign.com

I may be mis-remembering but weren't the ejector rod threads originally right handed some years ago? If so do anyone know the approximate time frame when they changed? When you say left or right threads, are we viewing from the muzzle or grip end. Thanks...

I believe the change from right to left hand thread was early 60s, perhaps 61-62.

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213th FBINA

If I'm not mistaking there was a small amount of metal removed just beyond the knurled area of the ejector rod (toward the cylinder, of course) indicating Left Hand Threads, please correct me if I'm wrong!

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Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198

Thank you everyone for you thoughtful replies. I was raised on Beretta’s, h&k’s, and Glocks. My preferred duty carry is S&W M&P 40. I know almost nothing about revolvers. My Uncle recently passed and his duty weapon from the 60’s-70’s was passed to me.
Sounds like several of you may be on the right track. Let me give a more complete account of what I did.

1. Opening and closing cylinder. Spun extractor rod. Cylinder stuck.
2. Unable to open I removed right side screw above trigger. Nothing.
3. Used small flathead screwdriver to slowly turn extractor rod in correct direction. Cylinder free.
4. Noticed hammer was locked forward along with thumb release.
5. Replaced screw. No change.
5. I gave the weapon a thorough cleaning. Removing cylinder and gently cleaning all components. Removed and replaced screw at various stages of cylinder removal/replacement. Slight change. Cylinder now locks in place as it is supposed to upon closing. Thumb release is slightly further back but still 3/4 forward. Hammer still locked forward unless thumb release is pushed back.
I must’ve done something close to right but I’m not sure what it was.
Beautiful weapon. The deep blue steel is pristine and the (walnut?) grip really sets it off. I would toss it in the sea for a few more minutes with my Uncle but since that isn’t in the cards I feel blessed to care for a bit of his legacy.

One thing I forgot to mention. When I hold the weapon by my ear and shake something is loose and rattling quietly.

That's the hammer block. Nothing to worry about.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I wonder if the center pin may be bent or stuck and not going all the way out the back?

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protocalldesign.com

Good questio.

Mister, open the cylinder and push on the center pin in the rear. If it doesn't spring back quickly, that's at least part of your problem.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Between this book and the Forum's members, some of us are less lost and wondering.
Welcome aboard.

Attached Images

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Have Fun/Stay Safe

check the cyl pin detent at the front of the barrel.

When you spin the open cylinder look at the runout of the ejector rod. Is there any indication of a "wobble", that would indicate a bent rod? A bent rod could prevent the center pin from pressing on the cylinder release center which allows the action to release and work.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244