Cylinder get stuck

[t bone]

Hi guys,

I just got a model 19/4 (1982) counterbored. The revolver is new, it come out of a collection of an old man.
Yesterday I shot 50 rounds of 38 special with it, and the cylinder get stuck always after a couple of rounds.
I discovered that it happens when a chamber (always the same chamber) is going to reach the shooting position.
The base of the cartridge scratch the frame of the gun where is the hole of the pin and the cylinder get stuck.
Someone of you guys can tell me what's going on?
It's like if one cartridge doesn't go completely in the chamber, but I don't know if it's really like this.
The gun is perfectly clean ...
What I have to look out?

 

[Art Doc]

Usually the ejector rod is loose, backs out and binds the cylinder. Or it could be improperly sized cases not fully seating in the chambers. Or it could be dirty chambers preventing the cases from fully seating. Or it could be insufficient space between barrel and cylinder.

 

[t bone]

Hi Saxon, I just did a check:
the ejector rod is ok
it happen with different types of ammo
the chamber is clean
between barrel and cylinder the space is ok

what else can be?

 

[diamonback68]

between barrel and cylinder the space is ok

what else can be?

But, have you check the barrel/cylinder gap when it's coming up on each and every chamber?
Check for crud under the ejector star.

 

[t bone]

Yea, I did it. The barrel/cylinder gap is regular.
And even under the ejector star there is no crud.

 

[KAC]

Does the cylinder spin freely when loaded? To check this, move the hammer back enough to release the cylinder stop and rotate the cylinder. If it moves freely then you may have a ratchet that it slightly long.

 

[t bone]

If it moves freely if unload. Get stuck when loaded.
What is a ratchet?

 

[redhawk444]

My guess is that the counter bore on the chamber that is causing the problem is a little shallow.

To check it, load that chamber and the ones on either side and then lay a straight edge across to see if the middle cartridge is higher than the other two.

 

[Retired W4]

I have been trouble shooting a 29-2 that has a similar problem. After reading the responses to your post I decided to look at the counter bore. It turns out I have one chamber (opposite to the ones I thought were giving me trouble) where the round has to be snapped into position for just the rim. To get it out I had to forcibly pop it out with the extractor. After doing that several times it smooths out. Examined the case and there was a mark where something was rubbing on it. It was caused by a burr just at the star. Took a small round file and got rid of the burr and the round slides in smoothly all the way in and extracts easily. Now to the range to see if the cylinder still jams up.

I think everyone is correct that you should look at the counter bore and the chamber near it. Good luck, and I'll have a range report soon.

 

[t bone]

Thank you everyone, Redhawk,

and thank you Retired W4,

I found I have one chamber where the round has to be snapped into position for just the rim too. You just described the problem perfectly. I work on it to see if I can fix the problem like you did. I really hope so. I will tell you.

 

[Retired W4]

Well, I just got back from the range and that did not fix my basic problem. I hope yours turns out better t bone.

 

[t bone]

I've tried. Didn't work.
Sometime it goes, sometime get stuck.
Even to you W4?
What else can we do? Is it a work for a gunsmith?

 

[Art Doc]

Obviously something pertaining to ammo being in the chambers is the problem. Load 5 and see if it spins freely. Keep doing this until you ID the problem chamber. For some reason the case isn't fitting properly.

Tried a good scrubbing with solvent and brass brush to remove any hint of build up in chamber?

 

[Retired W4]

PM on the way t bone.

 

[t bone]

I discovered that is always a different chamber to create the same problems.
At times by inserting an ammo in a chamber or in another, the cylinder get stuck in the same way. It 'a real headache ...

 

[KAC]

Are you using new or reloaded ammo? What you are experiencing could be caused by a high primer.

 

[t bone]

New ammo. The gun is new, I shoot fifty rounds of new ammo.

 

[t bone]

I got the solution

I have been to the gunsmith right now. The problem are ammo. I used Fiocchi 38 special. He told me to use Winchester 38 spl or .357 mag.
I did it. The cylinder close, open and rotate very well.

Everything looks fine. Next sunday I will test it to the shooting range. Hope I will be fine.

The difference between Fiocchi and Wincester is in the rim thickness. Thicker in Fiocchi, thinner in Winchester.

I will tell you.

 

[1 old 0311]

Happens on only one hole it's probably dirty. Clean well then polish out with Flitz, or SemiChrome ( Mothers is too mild.)