I Bought my Model 13 4in nickle back in 1980. Its been sitting in my safe for decades. Took it out the other day and discovered the cylinder is rather stiff when trying to open it. I am guessing it might just be some tired lubricate somewhere in it. Any suggestions on getting it to open easier. Thanks

Ensure the ejector rod is tight.

Remove the crane screw, the one closet to the end of the barrel, and slide off the cylinder and crane. Use a proper fitting bit to avoid messing up the screws. Clean the whole thing and especially inside the frame where the crane slides into. Since you have a nickle gun, make sure the solvent you use is safe for it. Dry it all out and apply a tiny drop of oil inside the hole and onto the crane.

There's dried up oil and maybe powder in there which is slowing things up. I just got a Model 64 and had the same issue. Most of my used revolvers have had the same issue.

With it open, check the latch,the pin in the extractor rod and the catch in the lug under the barrel for smoothness.Theres probably some old dried up oil somewhere in there.

Thanks Gentlemen. I did as suggested, removed the cyl and cleaned the sludge out and it is working great.

Outstanding. Having that cylinder not wanting to open is a pain. I check my extractor rod after every cleaning.

__________________
Mike
S&WCA #3065