Recently bought a beautiful little model 36 from the mid 60's..tight and clean as a whistle....it has one slight problem and before I tear into it I thought I'd ask a couple of questions.

The flat latch cylinder release is very hard to move forward to release the cylinder...it seems to move just a little and stops and then it takes the thumb behind and on the latch and the other thumb nail in the serrations to get it to move the final distance and release the cylinder...nothing appears jammed up..there are no "buggered up screws" or any marks....the gun appears almost unfired..has a minor turn ring but the cylinder locks up great and the timing is dead on.

Just wonder if this is a fairly common thing with a 36? I have not owned one for many years but just couldn't pass this one up, especially in the 3" bbl..

Any thoughts as to where to begin would be much appreciated....I don't want to mess up a really nice one.

Thanks
opos

If you are able and capable, since it is an older model 36, I would try a complete dissassembly and cleaning of the gun, including the cylinder assembly.
The problem may go away, and your diagnosis of the problem will be easier and less problematic if you start with a clean, properly lubricated gun.

My guess is there may be some old oil, grease or dried up WD-40 around the bolt, or inside the cylinder/center pin area. Lots of other possibilities though.

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

Check if the part inside the lug (under the barrel) is bound up too

I have a flat latch Model 38 w/a similar problem. I had a gunsmith do what they call a "strip & clean" but the situation persists. It's not serious enough to keep me from carrying it as I've learned how to deal w/it.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I did a super cleaning and re lubed the shaft and the latch..it was pretty dirty and lots of gunk...I was careful with the cleaning (used brake cleaner and compressed air, and a q tip) and then CLP ...after working it all a bit it's loosened up some and think I can deal with it...more later.
opos

Unscrew and remove the external thumb piece and see if the problem persists when you operate the remaining mechanism will move properly. If it will, there may be a problem with the back side of the thumb piece and the way it mates to the bolt and frame. I had one that didn't fit correctly and would cause binding when moving the thumb latch forward. If the internal mechanism still binds up when pressing on the stud that protrudes from inside the frame, then the advice to take things completely apart and give them a good cleaning is in order, including putting some good penetrating oil on the part that arjay mentions.

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So long ... Ken