Model 19 Locking Bolt Pin Binding Cylinder on Closure

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Haselrigg

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Gents,

Have a beautiful Model 19 that I got from my father on his passing. Took it to the range and after one cylinder of .38spec FMJ factory I noticed that the cylinder was difficult to close after opening. It seems the Locking Bolt Pin doesn't want to depress easily and thus catches the front of the ejector rod. I can close the cylinder with a smack of the palm of my hand but really don't want to do this as it can bend the ejector rod. Ideas on what may be the issue?

Thanks!
 
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Have you checked to be sure the ejector rod is completely screwed in? Also check to be sure the locking bolt is moving back and forth as it should. The spring could be crudded up and need a good oiling/flushing out.
 
I'm very sorry to hear that your father passed away.
You should never need to force the cylinder to close. Could be a couple of common issues. First, make sure the ejector rod is tight. Second, make sure there is absolutely no debris under the extractor star or in the recess in the cylinder into which the star seats. Beyond that, it could be old, gummy, dirty lubricant preventing the locking bolt mechanism from functioning in a smooth manner. A thorough cleaning and proper lubrication would solve that issue.
 
The most likely culprit it gunk, powder soot, and old hardened oil,

Remove the grips/stocks and with the cylinder open spray some brake cleaner on the lug under the barrel while working it with the tip of a screw driver, spray some on the tips of the center pin in ejector rod, on the face of the recoil shield where bolt tip come through, around the thumb piece while working it. Spay some under ejector star and clean under it well. You may as well shoot some in around the trigger and hammer also while cocking and pulling the trigger. If you have an air hose or can of air, blast those places out with some as you do this

Once done a few TINY drops of oil around and on all those same spots sand you should bee good to go

I use light weight synthetic motor oil. You can spend more money on various magic gun oils if you prefer.
 
Gentlemen, Thank you all very much for your feedback. It was old oil and powder residue binding the locking bolt pin. I blasted it out with WD40 and cleaned/lubed it - locks up tight now.
 
Not a fan of WD 40 on guns as it will eventually harden and cause problems like you just had. I use brake cleaner to clean out gunk and hardened oil. I personally use light weight synthetic motor oil to lube. But, a tiny drop on the lug, the trigger and hammer studs (the pin they pivot on) and a drop rubbed on the yoke barrels is plenty. With revolvers a little oil goes a long ways
 
I am glad that you found the issue and that it was nothing more than old, dried, hardened lube and dirt. I agree with Steelslaver, WD-40 is not really good on firearms. Yes, it will dissolve old oils and provide a degree of lubrication and corrosion protection, but the lubrication is only temporary. Once the solvent evaporates, WD-40 will begin to get gummy, then harden, then you are back to having the same issues.
 
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