Problem with cylinder retention

at_liberty · #1 05-31-2014, 10:30 AM

Have acquired a 67-1 that clearly has seen some service but is not beat up. I like it already. I haven't shot it because a) the gunsmith hasn't stripped/cleaned it and checked it out yet, and b) the cylinder, when open, will clear the retainer bump thingy on the frame and come off the spindle. I was wondering what the gunsmiths and others thought I should be looking for and the expected scope of the repair.

Captain · #2 05-31-2014, 03:18 PM

That's the cylinder stud that hold the cylinder in. Your gunsmith can replace it with a new one. I can't imagine it costing more than $25 IF he's going to take it completely apart to thoroughly clean it. I had on fail on a Smith revolver at a big match. The smith had it replaced in less than 30 min.

snubbiefan · #3 05-31-2014, 05:33 PM

One of the good things about owning one of these "old guns". Those studs can be replaced. On the new frames without the stud.....it's just worn-out. Of course....if you bought the gun new it's under warranty and odds are that S&W would replace it anyway. You just lose the gun for a while. The lightweights are the first to fail and they are starting to fail already.

jaymoore · #4 06-02-2014, 02:36 AM

If the "retainer bump thingy" isn't slap worn out, then you likely have a bent yoke. Usually due to flipping the cylinder open and shut "movie style".

snubbiefan · #5 06-02-2014, 05:26 AM

Better known as "The Hollywood Flop". Usually more prevalent on the larger framed guns.

at_liberty · #6 06-02-2014, 09:58 AM

67-1 side view

67-1 opposite side view

Cylinder/stud relationship view

Stud closeup

side view of stud

I see no evidence of bending and am skeptical about this type of material bending before it snaps. What does seem possible is wear of the joints and detentes but I see no evidence of that. There is just enough wiggle in the ejection rod and cylinder that I wonder if a bushing is needed to keep it all in line.

Lastly it seems to me that the head of the stud may have been ground off at some point, maybe overzealous in cleaning up the gun for resale. The stud head is dead flat but does not look freshly ground.

faraim · #7 06-02-2014, 11:27 AM

The stud looks normal to me. Don't be skeptical, those yokes can bend and it only would take a few thousandths to create your problem. Also remember that things do loosen up over time, if you start out with a yoke/cylinder fit that is a bit loose and a stud that is a hair short, it only takes a bit to create your problem. Find yourself a competent gunsmith and I suspect it can be fixed easily. I don't believe the problem is terminal by any stretch of the imagination.