Got an Airweight a few months ago for my pocket pistol. Except when I tried to run some of the original Super Vel thru it its great. The only problem I have is closing the cylinder. Really have to give it an extra push for it to lock. Leary about breaking out my files at this point. I'll open and close it a few times every time I pick it up but its not loosening up much at all. Any suggestions?

Is it good and clean throughout. Ejector Rod/star. Loose ejector Rod?

Drop the files and step away from the gun.

Loosen the front side plate screw and see if it cures the problem. On older guns, that screw was hand fitted to the correct length and it is common for owners to switch screws when reassembling the gun. If that cures the problem, check the other screws for file marks.

Newer revolvers use a different screw with a spring loaded plunger. If that is the case it is possible that yours is gummed up or has some corrosion. Flush it with brake cleaner and re-lube.

Proceed with caution. Is it a carry gun? If so, worth taking to a gunsmith to diagnose the problem.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. The original Super Vel ammo, if that's what you fired, was high pressure and intended for steel frame guns. Could it have stressed the frame? Again, gunsmith.

A couple things to look at and try.

1- Look at the underside of the barrel's forcing cone to insure it's not cracked. If shooting high pressure rounds damaged it you could see difficulty closing the cylinder, are there any marks on the face of the cylinder suggesting rubbing?

2- Try opening the cylinder, push the extractor rod all the way out and then wipe the underside of any residue (dirt, burnt powder, oil) as well as where it mates to the back of the cylinder, then try closing the cylinder, you could have some crud built up which will leave the extractor "proud" and cause this symptom.

3- have you made sure the extractor rod is tight? Make sure it's not loose, which again, would leave the overall length long and could cause this same symptom.

4- lastly, you might try a touch of oil on the plunger/spring where the extractor rod locks into the barrel, might use a plastic or wooden rod to push that plunger in, see if it's free and not causing the difficulty with the rod pushing it in as it locks into the barrel.


Just a thought....

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.............SmithNut

Left out some info. Its a new Airweight 38 +P. I only ran a dozen SuperVels through it. I'm not into pain. Other than some WC's The load I shoot is 125 JHP or FP over 5.0 231. Went through the suggestions and no problem there. Appreciate the info.

...Gunsmith...

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

I was digging through an old box and found a full box of SV 110jhp's and a partial box of SV 357's. Old but still workswell.

Just curious; and it might help with a diagnosis. You say that it is "stiff" to close; is it "stiff" to OPEN as well?

If it's new it should be covered under the S&W Lifetime Warranty - but you might not want to mention shooting Super Vel ammo in it.

I'd certainly NOT shoot SV ammo through any light weight revolver - even if it is rated for +P. Just for giggles you should fire a few SV's through an all steel .357 Magnum and chronograph the velocities. I for one would be curious...........

The specific ammo in the chambers should not change how the cylinder opens and closes???

Is it properly lubed?

If as mentioned it is a NEW gun then let SW mess with it under warranty.

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Still Running Against the Wind

Very interesting, I thought I was the only one that had an old box of Super Vel. I don't even have a .357 now.

Stiff both ways.

With the cylinder open and supported, push on the center button of the extractor and see if it goes in and pops back out smoothly. If not, you might have a problem like I had with my new 629 Mountain Gun. The center pin had a burr on it (from the factory) and it would bind inside the hollow extractor rod. The cylinder would sometimes be hard to open and/or close. The fix should be done by a competent gunsmith or the S&W factory.

If a gun I'm going to carry to possibly save my ancient bacon exhibits a problem that cleaning and making sure the extractor rod is screwed in well don't correct, it's going to a professional for diagnosis and repair.

I'm just funny that way. Might tinker with a plinker, but not a self-defense gun.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Turn the ejector rod counter clockwise to check for looseness. It is a reverse thread. Counterclockwise to tighten. PUT DOWN THAT FILE!