I was down at my gun shop today checking out my new 686 SSR that came in that I can't pick up till next week (gah!), and while playing with it I noticed that I had to really push quite heavily on the cylinder to push it out of the frame of the gun. Is that normal? I had held the 686 at a different shop and don't recall it being that tough....

Any thoughts?

I had/have the same problem with my 617. I figured out it was because my ejector rod had backed out after time. Fortunately I realized it before I shot it out too far to open it.

How does one address this problem?

*If* it's the same cause one just needs to screw it in all the way. I haven't torques it down far enough to keep it from backing out yet. See my very recent post about tightening the rod.

It should not be hard at all. Has anyone else there looked at it? What is there opinion? Is it harder than any other revolver there in the shop? If it is than something is off. You may want to get another gun or have S&W repair it before taking possession.

tipoc

I'll take a look at it again next week when I pick it up. It's not outrageously hard, but then again I'm not sure how it's SUPPOSED to be.

Should I be expecting to push the cylinder release, turn the gun on its side and the cylinder falls out easily BY ITSELF, or should it not fall out?

yup, sounds like a loose ejector rod.
to correct it, swing out the cylinder. The end of the ejector rod is knurled. Put a few empty cases in the cylinder, screw the ejector rod by hand until snug. If you want to go tighter than that, get a thick piece of leather, double it over the ejector rod end and lightly apply pressure with pliers and tighten a hair more. (be gentle because you can bend the rod).

It doesnt have to fall out by itself, I think it should require a light nudge.
I wouldnt recommend turning it over or whipping it out like you see on tv. Its not good for the yoke. You should control the cylinder both in and out.

Wow sounds like I have my work cut out for me before even taking possession of my first handgun.

Anyone want to comment on whether the cylinder should just fall out of the gun when held on its side, or not?

^No! There should be enough resistance that, that won't happen! However it shouldn't take more than slight pressure (say like a handshake) to get that cylinder out. I'm with gr7070 on this, who said the guns ejector rod might have backed out. Or there may be a burr somewhere that's tying things up, which might be wooed out by dry-fring the piece.
In any event if it isn't right send it back to Smith to be fixed! The SSR is one of the high end sixguns and it should be ready to run from the box! Dale

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"Long live the S&W 3rd. Gen.!"

I see. Well maybe I'm just a wuss. The shop had JUST got it in, and the gun was quite cold from its travels which may have been causing issues, too. It took, I'd say, a fairly firm press to get it out. It wasn't a STRAIN, but it definitely took a conscious push. I'll have to compare a different 686 when I'm back in the store, and then see if the ejector rod needs adjustment.

Thanks for the help, guys!

On the cylinder falling out; on some older guns they do fall free when the latch is pushed forward and the gun held to the left. Unless I'm mistaken though the 686 SSR is a Performance Center gun and may have a ball detent lock up and so may not "fall free". That makes little difference though. The cylinder should come free with only a slight push of the fingers when the latch is pushed forward. You should not have to force it or slap it or punch it to get it free.

On more recent guns the rod is tightened by turning counter clockwise. So open the cylinder and see if the ejector rod is loose. If it is not loose than you have another problem.

Again before you take possession of the gun check how other revolvers feel when you release the cylinder latches. Ask the opinion of others there at the store. You are new to wheel guns so don't hesitate to ask questions. Send it back to S&W if it ain't right.

tipoc

I will be sure to be picky when I get to finally take possession (or not!) next Tuesday. Thanks again for the help.

OK, so I called the store and they said the ejector rod is NOT loose at all. So not sure what to think now!

So now I don't remember if I'm just being a wuss or if it's normal/abnormal!

I ran to the store before they closed and checked it out again. It definitely needs a firm push to close it. Opening it isn't as tricky. I went to a different gun store where I checked out a display SSR, and it was a lot easier to open and close, but the cylinder definitely wasn't as tight in there. Could it be because my SSR is so new and hasn't been manhandled like the display model?

I know mine is brand new because I made the first real scratches where the cylinder goes into the frame. Maybe it will be easier to open and close after some more use/scratching of the frame from opening/closing?

I don't really know what to think... It's not like mine is THAT hard to open. The S&W 40 they had there was way harder to open/close!

I think that the crane area may need some cleaning. Often new guns may have the remains of machining debris in places. Remove the crane/cylinder assembly and wipe out the hole and the crane with a patch and solvent. Put a drop of oil on the crane and reinsert. Should work fairly smooth. If it has some tool marks on it, may need a "touch" of polishing with 600 grit emery paper.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I will take a look at it again. To me it was more clear the ejection rod was pushing against the frame where it goes into the gun. I have a nice polished scratch mark there, of course.

Maybe you should look around a little more,if this is a new gun you should be comfortable with your purchase.If it's a used gun maybe thats why someone got rid of it.Just my 2 cents!

No it's brand new, case fire date of November 2010.