629-4 cylinder bolt broken

[atlatl]

I have a 629-4 Mountain gun, which is by far my favorite revolver. Today, the threaded stud that holds on the cylinder release sheared off flush with the visible portion of the bolt under the thumb release.

This fortunately happened on the 6th shot so the revolver is unloaded.

What is the best way to open the cylinder now that there is nothing to push the center pin forward with? Additionally, once I do get it apart, does a new bolt need to be fitted or are these parts which are easily swapped?

Thank you.

 

[murphydog]

Others with real experience will be along shortly, but with the later non-recessed cylinder I think a thin piece of metal can be used between it and the recoil shield to push the center pin forward to get the cylinder open.

 

[StakeOut]

To re lease the cylinder you will need to remove the grips and then take out the 3 screws hold the side plate on.
Tap the frame on the left side with a wood or plastic hammer until the side plate falls off.Don't pry or force it off.The wood handle of a large screwdriver will work also.
Once the side plate is off you will have access to the bolt.Place a small screwdriver in the space between the rear of the bolt and the frame and push the bolt forward to move the center pin so the cylinder will release.

 

[austintexas]

Bolt

I don't think the bolt has to be fitted, easy to remove and replace once the hammer is removed. There is a pin that is spring loaded in the back of the bolt. You force the bolt to the rear compressing the spring and lift the rear of the bolt shaft the bolt clears, lift up and remove. make sure the spring doesn't launch the pin.
SWCA 892

 

[pantannojack]

Same issue

This is May of the same year and I just experienced the same failure. I used the method describe in above post and found a replacement out in the Bay. It was a good opportunity to clean and lube a 586 made 1984 which had not been out of the box since. Best of luck.

 

[Alk8944]

The button attached to the, simply, BOLT by the stud and nut is called the thumb piece on S&W revolvers, NOT cylinder release Please learn correct S&W nomenclature for various parts, it makes it much easier to answer questions when correct part names are used. You will also appear far more knowledgeable.

 

[ken158]

The bolt is a fitted part. It is not too hard to fit once you understand the bolt pushed forward needs to be flush with the recoil shield. If you file it on the face too much, or not enough, you will have cylinder opening issues.