Model 19 front lock sticking

[YosemiteSam]

I have a nickel 19-3 and the front lock sometimes doesn't want to disengage smoothly. I've inspected it and the lock pin itself appears to move freely, as does the inner portion of the ejector which actuates it. It's almost as though that actuator rod inside the ejector isn't quite long enough. I'm sure my terminology is suspect here, but hope it's clear.

Is there a fix for this that I, as a shade tree pistol mechanic, can hope to do?

-- Sam

 

[Babalooie]

I'm no expert with this, but have experienced it a couple of times.

Make sure the ejector rod is tight. If it's loose, tighten it using a thick piece of leather on the jaws of a pair of pliers. If you dont use the leather or something similar, you may damage the knurling on the rod. The rod may have reverse threads, meaning you will have to turn it counter clockwise to tighten it.

If this fixes the problem, ignore the rest of this note.

If not, remove the front side plate screw (the one closest to the barrel); that will allow you to remove the cylinder & yoke assy. Disassemble the cylinder & yoke assy. To remove the ejector rod, use a fairly heavy piece of leather on the jaws of a pair of pliers. If you don't, you may damage the knurling on the rod. Depending on when the gun was made, the rod may have reverse threads. Take everything apart, keeping track of how it comes apart. Make sure everything is clean. Try stretching the small spring on the actuator rod, and reassemble the parts. Determine if the problem has been corrected. If not, PM me.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Thanks Babalooie, I'll give it a try!

-- Sam

 

[WR Moore]

I have a nickel 19-3 and the front lock sometimes doesn't want to disengage smoothly. I've inspected it and the lock pin itself appears to move freely, as does the inner portion of the ejector which actuates it. It's almost as though that actuator rod inside the ejector isn't quite long enough. I'm sure my terminology is suspect here, but hope it's clear.

Is there a fix for this that I, as a shade tree pistol mechanic, can hope to do?

-- Sam

NOTE: Before trying to tighten an extractor/ejector rod, drop a couple of fired cases into chambers to take the stress you're about to place on the rod/extractor star.

Your problem is generally due to a lack of fitting of the ejector rod. With a coin, push the center pin flush with the extractor star and look at the end of the ejector rod. The center pin should stick out about 0.005 of an inch beyond the end of the extractor rod. The end of the extractor rod should show an even amount of center pin all the way around.

Careful filing will correct any problems, don't forget to slightly bevel the outside of the end of the extractor rod. Check for burrs inside the end of the extractor rod too.