I just bought a fine used S&W 13-2 : seemed to need nothing but a good cleaning, so I got to it : I removed the front sideplate screw to slip out yoke & cylinder... cleaned & cleaned & oiled... etc. & finally put everything back together :
Now the cylinder won't open all the way, although it freely swung open all the way before.. It swings to about 45°, but I can't get it horizontal (90°) without pushing -HARD- unless I UNscrew the yoke screw 2-3 turns (at which point it is quite loose).
I disassembled again, & saw nothing wrong with the screw : BUT : it had gouged out a portion of the inner face of the screw slot on the yoke button. WTH ??? From that ONE in-and-out swing ?
Now I know about mixing-up of the front & middle sideplate screws and I am absolutely certain I didn't : all screws went back where they came from originally.
What have I done wrong ? Is my yoke damaged beyond usefulness ?
I am not inclined to shoot that gun with a loosened yoke screw !
What should I do ? Help !......anyone....?