586 ejector rod maybe?

586nickel · #1 03-13-2011, 11:34 AM

I have a 586 and it has not been modified at the factory, i.e. the "old" recall issue. I bought it used a year ago and love it, never fired anything but 38 specials through it (don't know about previous owner though), but I've noticed the cylinder is harder than it used to be to push out and the cyclinder itself does not spin on its own whatsoever when I try to give it a spin. I keep my guns extremely clean so I don't think its from dirt or anything. From what I have read on here it may be that I need to tighten my ejector rod. Or maybe I have a bent rod??? (How can I tell?)

Is there a how to w/ pictures posted somewhere?

Not sure if this helps w/ the diagnosis but I noticed when I push the ejector rod in to extract the shell, the back of the cylinder touches that little half circle metal piece on the frame. If I push the back of the cylinder forward toward the front of the gun, the cylinder no longer touches that metal piece (but the cylinder is no easy to rotate).

Any help would be appreciated.

Avery11 · #2 03-13-2011, 12:34 PM

Sounds like a loose ejector rod. If it stiffens up only when in battery - check for **** under the ejector star or high primers if you're using reloads. I've experienced all three of these problems but did not diagnose them myself.

The experts will be along shortly with better advice.

Alk8944 · #3 03-13-2011, 02:11 PM

If the cylinder doesn't rotate freely when open it has nothing to do with the extractor rod. The gun needs to be cleaned!

Cleaning assembled is fine usually, but every once in a while you need to remove the cylinder and clean and lubricate the yoke barrel and cylinder. Deposits of carbon, bullet lube and lead build up and cause binding. Remove the cylinder and clean and lubricate it and let us know what happens. Instructions are in the FAQs.

"...the back of the cylinder touches that little half circle metal piece on the frame...." That's what is is supposed to do. The piece is called the frame lug, and it's purpose is a stop for the cylinder.

How to tell if the extractor rod is bent? Simple. Once the gun is clean and assembled, and with the cylinder open, spin the cylinder that will now turn freely. Watch the end of the extractor rod, if it doesn't wobble it's straight. If it does wobble then it's bent. Just that easy.

586nickel · #4 03-13-2011, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alk8944

If the cylinder doesn't rotate freely when open it has nothing to do with the extractor rod. The gun needs to be cleaned!

Cleaning assembled is fine usually, but every once in a while you need to remove the cylinder and clean and lubricate the yoke barrel and cylinder. Deposits of carbon, bullet lube and lead build up and cause binding. Remove the cylinder and clean and lubricate it and let us know what happens. Instructions are in the FAQs.

"...the back of the cylinder touches that little half circle metal piece on the frame...." That's what is is supposed to do. The piece is called the frame lug, and it's purpose is a stop for the cylinder.

Me thinks you are correct, sir!

I put a drop of oil in the "neck" where it swings out and worked it a bit -- definitely loosened up. Also a drop right in front of the cylinder where the rod goes in to the cylinder. That helped the cylinder rotate more freely. I will check out the FAQ's and do a full cleaning -- thank you!!!

586nickel · #5 03-13-2011, 09:34 PM

YouTube is great. Found these two videos. Show the disassembly of the cylinder and the reassembly. I believe this is where my problem is --- time for a good cleaning. Doubt the cylinder has ever been off my 586 let alone disassembled and thoroughly cleaned.

I'm a revolver noob so visual aids are a big help. Hope these videos help somebody else. I'll let the grizzled vets on this site determine if these vids should go somewhere in the FAQ section in gunsmithing section.

Thanks for the help, guys!

Disassembly

YouTube - S&W 686 Revolver Lead Removal

Reassembly

YouTube - S&W 686 Revolver Assembly

586nickel · #6 03-19-2011, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 586nickel

Me thinks you are correct, sir!

I put a drop of oil in the "neck" where it swings out and worked it a bit -- definitely loosened up. Also a drop right in front of the cylinder where the rod goes in to the cylinder. That helped the cylinder rotate more freely. I will check out the FAQ's and do a full cleaning -- thank you!!!

Yes, definitely correct. I broke down the cylinder today and cleaned the heck out of it w/ CLP. Spinning like a charm and much easiest in and out of the frame. Thank you!