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Old 07-27-2018, 08:19 AM
tomhenry tomhenry is offline
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Default Cylinder sometimes doesn't want to open.

I have two S&W 29-2s that have the same problem, viz. when I push the cylinder release latch forward the cylinders don't always want to open.

When it happens I have to fiddle/force it.

I know it's a common problem and I've dealt with it before but have forgotten the remedy.
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Old 07-27-2018, 08:38 AM
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Tighten the extractor rod....it's probably loose.
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Old 07-27-2018, 08:52 AM
Arquebus357 Arquebus357 is offline
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Cylinder sometimes doesn't want to open. Cylinder sometimes doesn't want to open. Cylinder sometimes doesn't want to open. Cylinder sometimes doesn't want to open. Cylinder sometimes doesn't want to open.  
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Take a look at where the bolt pin comes through the recoil plate. The head of the pin needs to be flush with the plate. I have seen the pin to be a bit lower than the plate which made it more difficult to release the cylinder.

If the pin is indeed recessed you can let a gunsmith fit a new bolt ...or... fix the bolt yourself. (screams of protest )

Look at the bolt and you will see that the pin is actually fitted into the bolt body. You can take a center punch and drive the pin further out. ( a nice heavy vice is your friend as it takes a bit of force to move that pin ) Once the pin is loose you can adjust it to where it is flush or just a bit proud of the plate. Once you are happy, you can stake the back of the bolt to keep the pin in place.

Hope this helps

Bubba
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Old 07-27-2018, 09:04 AM
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Cylinder sometimes doesn't want to open. Cylinder sometimes doesn't want to open. Cylinder sometimes doesn't want to open. Cylinder sometimes doesn't want to open. Cylinder sometimes doesn't want to open.  
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Do the simple thing first. Make sure that the area under the extractor star is clean and dry (no oil).
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Old 07-27-2018, 10:30 AM
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Tighten the latch screw.
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Old 07-27-2018, 01:06 PM
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Could also be the fit of the ejector rod assy and the lug under barrel. Check that the end of the center rod in ejector rod is coming flush. If it doesn't the latch under the barrel will hang it up. Also that the locking bolt in that lug is moving free. If it isn't right it can stop the center pin from moving forward far enough to release the rod or even for the rear of the rod to clear hole in recoil shield. It can be set so that it does not move far enough forward. One of the little things sometimes people forget to look at.
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Old 07-27-2018, 02:24 PM
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After inspecting the above or performing the suggestions: if it is the same chamber at top dead center every time it could be bent extractor rods or the end of the extractor rods may not be cut squarely.
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Old 07-28-2018, 12:09 AM
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IIRC, my 29-2 had the same trouble. After I fixed the cylinder's excessive endshake (bearings/shims) that was fixed too.

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