Day started very well. Found a lightly used 686 with 3 inch barrel and round butt.
When cocking the hammer, it felt like it was rubbing on something just before it caught. The double action and single action are acceptable.
Is it the lock that I'm feeling?

Day started very well. Found a lightly used 686 with 3 inch barrel and round butt.
When cocking the hammer, it felt like it was rubbing on something just before it caught. The double action and single action are acceptable.
Is it the lock that I'm feeling?

Not sure, but put the key in and turn it back and forth a few times. Don't know if this will help, but it may be turned a bit. I have a couple revolvers with the lock, and have not felt what you are describing. I found it is either locked or not. Try cocking and dry firing several times and see if it smoothes out. Last resort send it back to S&W for repair. Good luck, good gun BTW.

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Shoot'em to the ground!

Bent ejector rod?

To me, it doesn't sound like it. One way to check, however, is to look at the side of hammer where the lock is. If it rubbing as bad as you say, there will be a grove or groves on the hammer where it contacts the lock. MAKE SURE it is unloaded when you pull the hammer back to check!

Check the cylinder/forcing cone interface for all 6 charge holes. Could be rubbing.

The hammer, trigger, ratchet and hand, cylinder and bolt are all rubbing just before the gun is ready to shoot. New revolvers need cleaned, lubed and shot. Everything will wear in. It is VERY likely the problem is just being little used.