Cylinder release latch loose on 442-1

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Grimjaws

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I shot 50 rounds the other day and it has performed great. Put it in my carry rotation which are all j frames.

Today I noticed the cylinder release was rattling

The screw was very loose.
I got out the smith screwdrivers and tightened it back down

I only did 15 rounds of +P and another 35 of standard.38 but I’m concerned why it got so wobbly

My 637-2 is still cranked down nice and tight and has had more rounds through it

I am thinking of putting a little locktite on it but not sure.

I’ve been cursed with factory and used guns always having an issue and this one joins the ranks. Frustrating.

Last thing I need is that to rattle off while I’m shooting it or in a self defense situation.

For now my 637-2 is my EDC until I can get more range time in that 442 and keep checking the screws after I fire it.

28-2 locked up after 6 rounds
VP 9 locked up tight with several brands of ammo as the chamber was really tight
637-2 handspring broke out of the box
442-1 loose cylinder release
60 no dash had return spring issues
19-3 locked up with some magnum rounds

The only ones I have that have been flawless are my Gen3 Glock 19 and my Shield 2.0. I love revolvers but I’m cursed with the darn things.
 
Wouldn't want to be close to you in a thunderstorm! Knowledgeable reply soon instead of smart mouth.

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You don't have an issue or a flaw. You have a loose screw. Get a screw driver that fits. Let me say that again, that fits, and tighten the screw. As part of your regular maintenance, you should be checking to see that everything is tight. Even if the thumb piece falls off, it won't affect the guns ability to fire so there's no need to be afraid to use that gun as an EDC.
 
Screws on firearms tend to loosen due to vibration from firing and other sources, Colt Single Actions are particularly known for this. The sideplate screws and thumb-piece nut should be checked whenever the gun has been fired, and for guns that are carried at least monthly. Loose screws are the responsibility of the owner/user and are not a defect in the gun!

It is prudent to check all screws whenever cleaning or periodically, obviously OP does not understand this!
 
Me either. Better get busy. Never checked for loose screws although my wife says i have a few

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Tighten it. It’s all good.
 
I've had loose thumbpiece , yoke screws and extractor rods. Cleaned the threads with alcohol and stayed tight.
 
DixieRanger said:
Didn't know.. explain please

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There is a stud that the thumb piece screws on to. It sticks out from the frame far enough that it is accessible to your thumb. All you do is push forward on it just as if the thumb piece is there and the cylinder will open normally. It's not the best, but the gun is still usable. I would shy away from using Locktite on that screw. Just tighten it down and so long as the threads have not been buggered, you'll be fine. It is a piece that has been in use for a very long time without a lot of problems and without any homeopathic treatments. Don't over think it.
 
I also use/recommend a thread locker such as the blue-colored Loctite (don't remember the product number) or a "Vibra-Tite" product.

For some reason, the thumb-piece screw/nut wasn't designed with any type of lock washer method and tends to loosen. Just be careful with the thread-locker liquids as the thumb-piece stud is fairly short. Perhaps apply with a toothpick if you tend to be heavy-handed when squeezing the tube/bottle.

Vibra-Tite
LOCTITE<sup>(R)</sup>
 
Last edited:
Having the screw on the cylinder release latch come lose when shooting is not unusual. I use a little locktite, the nonpermanent kind, and that solved my problem. Always check all your revolver frame screws after the range as part of your regular cleaning & maintenance.
 
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