Came upon mention of an internal crane lock. Lets assume for a moment that they mean yoke lock. The idea is that it locks the cylinder in the open position. This sounds like a handy feature for reloading the revolver but it might be a gimmick too. I'm sure it is just a ball detent somewhere, but was wondering if anyone had a picture or could describe how it works?
I"ll wade in. There is only one place you could install an internal detent to lock the cylinder open. It would have to be on the yoke shaft, and would be very difficult to make work. The shaft would have to have a dimple machined into it and a spring and detent ball installed in the frame. It would be next to impossible. If I were designing it I would try to use the yoke retaining screw with a spring and detent ball under it. I don't think there is room. I would imagine the internal detent you heard mentioned was in the barrel lug to support the yoke when closed. Gravity will hold the cylinder open.
actually, not impossible. They been around for a long time, heres one on a model 1905 from 1911...
with pin pulled out a bit..
hole for the pin,, ( it's spring loaded )
"dimple" in frame to hold pin.....
parts together......
gun being held upside down, no gravity needed....
The cylinder detent hold open device came on the very 1st hand ejector, the Model 1896 1st Model .32 HE. After that it was dropped from the I frames but continued on all the pre war K and N frame HEs.
I like this feature so much I've done it to post war guns. It's quite simple to do. The yoke shaft is hardened somewhat so plan on using a cobalt or carbide bit to drill the hole.
One of those old world touches Smith was known for that you won't ever see again.
These were common on S&W over 100 years ago, but deleted as a cost savings matter, and no one ever missed them. This is on a Model of 1899 M&P 1st model.
I was taught to peen the yoke button so that there was just enough friction with the yoke screw to hold the cylinder open. I don't think I have handled any new guns so fitted. The new yoke screws do not allow for that type of fit.
Internal crane lock?
Linear Mode
