Cylinder is stuck on a model 29. Help!

luvvino · #1 10-18-2021, 05:35 PM

I inherited a model 29 from my uncle. The 44 mag has been sitting in the safe for 30+ years untouched. I tried to open the cylinder but the cylinder release button was stuck and would not move.There is no sign of rust or corrosion. She is a beautiful “Safe Queen.” Does anybody have any suggestions I can try without having to bring it to a gunsmith?
Thanks!!

Ruger 1,3 · #2 10-18-2021, 05:43 PM

Remove the screw and check for hard grease or rust under the thumb latch.

buckshotshorty · #3 10-18-2021, 05:50 PM

Spray some lube into the plunger where the extractor locks up ( under the barrel lug ) One my revolvers was stuck and I couldn’t open the cylinder. After lubing I was able to work the cylinder release

22hipower · #4 10-18-2021, 07:11 PM

The oil suggestion can't hurt but the ejector rod may have become loose; carefully try to tighten it just a little. Cylinder should then open ok; I have a 1950 44 Target where that happens often. . . .just sitting untouched and unfired. If that doesn't work, cock the hammer and at the same time slide a business card under the cylinder and frame. That should allow the cylinder to unlock and open; then tighten the ejector rod carefully.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Nightowl · #5 10-18-2021, 07:57 PM

It could be that it was sprayed with WD 40 and it hardened or old oil is keeping the release from moving. Not uncommon on long stored guns. A penetrating oil, like Kroil, should release things so the latch can move.

Mike C2 · #6 10-18-2021, 10:03 PM

When the -2 guns came out around 1962 they switched to reverse threads on the ejector rod. You need to know what year/model # the gun is to tighten in the correct direction. You can use a business card to depress the cylinder stop so you can tighten the rod. As mentioned above this can happen with a gun not even being used. More common before the reverse threads and happened to me this weekend with a pre-27 3 1/2” gun.

minconrevo · #7 10-18-2021, 10:38 PM

WD40 is not a lubricant. It's a water displacement product. In some cases okay to prevent rust. WD40 will gum over time when applied in a heavy coat.

If the 29 is simply gummed up by it or a similar product apply some Kroil; let sit several hours maybe a few days. Another responder mentioned the possibility the cylinder is tied up by a loose ejector rod. As that poster states, you'll need to share an approximate serial number as the direction of turn of the rod threads changed at a time.

hittman77 · #8 10-18-2021, 10:57 PM

My condolences on your loss.

Shoot a little Kroil on it.
Come back tomorrow.
If that don’t work I like the ejector rod ideas.

Bet its something pretty simple.

moosedog · #9 10-18-2021, 11:21 PM

Make sure you take the grips off before putting oil in it. It tends to travel.
Probably just badly gummed up.

3rdgeargrndrr · #10 10-18-2021, 11:45 PM

Uh. Please get the camera out and share your new keepsake

Neversink n Klapperthal · #11 10-19-2021, 09:26 AM

Ive seen plenty of old 29s like that. If the cylinder release is gummed up,the action will probably be sticky too

murphydog · #12 10-19-2021, 09:53 AM

Good suggestions above. I would remove the stocks and spray aerosol brake cleaner (an effective degreaser) through the opening toward the top of the grip frame. You’ll probably see lots of old, gummy oil come out.

gwpercle · #13 10-19-2021, 12:17 PM

I believe in long soakings ...we used to use Kerosene , it's a penetrating oil that was cheap and plentiful . Sometimes we soaked in Marvel Mystery Oil .
Modern penetrating oils will work faster and cost more ... but the best soaking stuff for this would be a 50/50 mix of Acetone and GM Dexron ATF (non synthetic) ... this stuff is the best for rust and gummed actions ... the acetone gets the penetrating job done and the ATF is the oil ... it's the BEST penetrating oil you can't buy ! I've seen tests!
Do I need to say ...remove the grips !
Gary

luvvino · #14 10-19-2021, 02:39 PM

Thanks for all the good information folks. I knew I could count on all the great minds on this forum. I plan to work on it this weekend. Thanks again.
luvvino

grumpyvette · #15 10-19-2021, 08:58 PM

well? its been quite a while, did you get the revolver fixed?

luvvino · #16 10-21-2021, 04:31 PM

I have been very busy at work and no time to
work on it. I plan to fix it this weekend.
Thanks again for the help!
luvvino

stansdds · #17 10-22-2021, 07:04 AM

Ok, just don't leave us hanging! I'm in the camp of the issue being dried lubricant. A good soaking with the stocks removed would dissolve any dried lube.

gwpercle · #18 10-22-2021, 08:46 AM

Let it soak in penetrating oil while you are working ...
Long soaking is good !
Gary