Hey guys, just looking for some help here. I got a new combat magnum 69 in the mail and it's quite a bit harder to cock on one cinder. It's also noticeable during double action too. The cylinder after it is also a little harder than the other 3. Any ideas? I don't want to ruin anything.

Cheers

Welcometo the forum.

Open cyl first, hold thumb release to the rear and cycle action; still have the problem or not? If you don't, the problem is related to the cyl rotation.

New gun, used gun?

Does it happen loaded, unloaded, or both. When gun is cold or hot after shooting a cyl full?

Things to check: free rotation of cyl with hammer halfway back and cyl turned with fingers....drag at cyl forcing cone? Cyl rotate freely when swung open?

Time to put 5 or 10 power glasses on and start "observing", not looking, observing.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Send it back.

Don't mess with it.

These don't come back from Smith as fast as Rugers.

And there can be satisfaction in figuring out the issue for oneself, whether or not you fix something simple yourself or send it back.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Also check the mainspring tension screw. If it's backed out, the mainspring can take an S-shaped turn, making it hard to cock. The tension screw should be down tight. It's not meant to be an adjustment.

I hate to say this, but I believe you have a bent rod on which the cylinder rotates. I bought a new S&W revolver back in the day, and had exactly the same symptoms as you. S&W was VERY good about it, and repaired it with no issues. Someone may have monkeyed with it in the store before you got it. Either way, call S&W and get a return label. Best wishes, Marc