Hello,

Recently received a used S&W model 65-5 from a gunbroker transaction. Upon taking receipt I noticed that the cylinder was very stiff when trying to swing it out to load rounds into it, enough so that it would require a good deal of pressure or a decent smack to get it out, any advice on what to do ?

This is my only revolver other than my Ruger LCR

Check the screw that holds the cylinder crane onto the frame. Sometimes folks replace that screw with the incorrect screw and it's too long and causes binding of the crane. That screw is on the opposite side that the cylinder swings on the frame. I'd try backing it off and see it that helps the issue. Good luck.

Read your post more. Could also be a short extractor rod pin. The pin inside the extractor rod that releases the extractor rod from the front extractor rod locking point.

Or a loose or bent extractor rod. When you get the cylinder open try screwing or tightening the extractor rod back in. If it gets loose it makes the pin inside the extractor too short and it doesn't open correctly. Sorry for all the posts I just keep thinking of things that have caused me issues on mine in the past.

Sounds like it's difficult to swing out the cylinder after you push the release...yes? If that's the case, you do have an issue with the screw. If you're comfortable with loosening it, give that a try to see if the binding is eased. But be careful, as the sideplate screws are very easily messed up with a wrong-size driver.
If the issue is the cylinder release is hard to push forward, that can be several things....but from the way I read your post, I think it's the screw.

Darkparadox: other than the issue with the cylinder, how else does your revolver function? Assuming it is unloaded, does it cycle okay, is there any push-off, etc.? I'm wondering if the piece has been "Bubba-smithed".

Regards,

Dave

I think the 65-5 uses the plunger/spring screw for the cylinder, not the fitted one.

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Jim

Yes, it is difficult to swing out the cylinder after I fully depress the release.