940 Extraction Issue

[kframefansc]

I just picked up a nice 940 no dash in trade. The deal was very good (maybe too good) so I jumped on it. What I've found since cleaning the gun is that it has extraction problems even with unfired rounds (I haven't even shot it yet). Just removing a loaded moon clip sometimes requires a mallet tap. Also, sometimes it doesn't close properly and the bolt stop does not fully engage allowing the cylinder to rotate. I have read a lot of the posts on this issue but I haven't seen where anyone has returned the gun under the S&W lifetime warranty. Has anyone used the warranty or been able to cure this problem on their own. I really like the gun and would love to keep it, but................

 

[kenjen]

I would try different moon clips first, (a bent one or one that is too thick can cause those problems). also check and make sure the cylinders are clean.

 

[kframefansc]

I've done my normal cleaning with a bronze brush and cleaners and the cylinders look clean with a normal ridge near the center. Also, I don't see any tool marks like some have complained about on these early models. I'm using brand new S&W factory moon clips that appear to be perfectly flat. The problem with the unfired ammo seems to be more of a binding issue since obviously the cases have not been expanded from being fired.

 

[Lonestar57]

Although not exactly the same problem. I had one that the hand was binding with the shell extractor star causing it to not rotate very smooth and the cylinder became difficult to swing out. I bought it new when they first came out but the problem developed about 6 years ago. Called S&W they sent me a shipping label, fixed the gun and shipped it back. Took 3-months but it works perfect now. They are aware of your issue. I'd call CS and talk with them.

 

[kframefansc]

Although not exactly the same problem. I had one that the hand was binding with the shell extractor star causing it to not rotate very smooth and the cylinder became difficult to swing out. I bought it new when they first came out but the problem developed about 6 years ago. Called S&W they sent me a shipping label, fixed the gun and shipped it back. Took 3-months but it works perfect now. They are aware of your issue. I'd call CS and talk with them.

I think that will be my first step. They are closed now for the holidays so I plan to contact them next week. I have used their lifetime warranty several times in the past with good results.

 

[colt_saa]

Remember that while S&W will often fix used firearms at No Charge, a Warranty is only given to the original purchaser. S&W is under no obligation to repair firearms for FREE to the 2nd, 3rd or more owner

Your second issue is that companies only maintain spare parts inventories for 10 years after a product is discontinued. Odds are they have no cylinders or barrels on hand should a repair need one.

The extraction issue is easily solved in one of two ways. The chambers can be honed. We had a very generous Forum member that was loaning his hone out at N/C, unfortunately someone kept it.

The cylinder can also be re-chambered. I re-chambered mine to 38 Super. So now my 940 can fire 38 Super, 9x21.5, 9x21, 356TSW, 9MM (9x19), 380ACP (9x17) and a few others that do not come to mind at the moment.

As to rotation of the cylinder, most commonly the stop bolt might be peened, the spring might be weak or the notches might be damaged. Those are just guesses without looking at it in person

Now if you do not want to go to all that trouble, you can send that revolver whose deal was too good to be true to me . I have a 3" 940 barrel on hand just waiting for a frame to put it on. I also have a spare cylinder on hand ready to go if necessary.

 

[7shooter]

I had one of the early 940s and had the same problem. S&W told me I was using the wrong kind of ammunition. I tried every kind I could find and it was always the same. I sent it back several times and they finally gave up and exchanged it for a 640. I have since read that some people were able to correct the problem with use of a hone. At one point there was someone on this Forum who was offering to lend his hones to members. I don't recall his name.

 

[Erich]

My no-dash 940 required a hellacious whack to extract (aluminum - the only kind at the time) Blazer ammo. I shot over 2k rounds of Blazer through it anyhow, and just used the wooden handle of a hammer to get them out. Extraction problems were, I recall, the reason for the 940-1 . . . .

 

[Jerry N.]

I sent my 940 to S&W and they said the cylinder needed replacing and since they did not make it any longer, they offered to send me a 640, but they would keep the 940 so I had them return the 940. I think they lived up to the spirit of their lifetime warranty but let's face it, if they don't make the gun any longer, there's only so much they can do.

There was a person on this site (HEADKNOCKER) who had hones and offered to send them to me. Instead, I sent him my cylinder and he honed the cylinder holes. It worked a lot better, but the spent rounds are still hard to extract. It can now be done by hand so it's okay for the range, but I would not rely on it for carry.

Currently, I'm trying to decide between selling the 940 and sending it to TK Customs. I'm a believer in making things work correctly but I'm not sure how much more money I want to put into this gun. That decision is compounded by the fact that it is not a fun range gun and I doubt I would ever carry it given it's weight.