can't open cylinder (model 642)

[CUBANOS]

please help me solve this problem....Purchased a new S&W 642 and have fired about 200 rounds in the last month.... This morning fired about 20 rounds, every thing worked fine at the range....at home cleaned the firearm and now I am not able to open the cylinder while pressing the safety latch....what do you think it is and how can I repair it...the revolver can be dry fired, the cylinder rotates...I just cannot open it.....Thanks

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Welcome to the forum!

This comes up a lot here. First thing to check is the ejector rod. It is probably loose and has backed out some. It is a lefthand thread so- lefty tighty. Try that first. If that is it, back it out and apply Blue Loc-Tite to the threads, and tighten as tight as you can with your fingers.

 

[Class III]

As an add-on. Once you get the ejector rod tightened to where you can open the cylinder, go to your local auto parts store and get a spray can of NON chlorinated brake cleaner. Back the ejector rod completly out and spray down the threads and let air dry, just a few minutes. This will remove all grease/oil from the threads. Apply the BLUE Loc-Tite and screw the rod back in. This will insure a rock solid fit until the time comes when you need to remove the rod in the future. If/when you need to back the rod out you will have to heat the area where the Loc-Tite was applied. The heat from your hair dryer will be fine for this application without doing damage to your gun.

Class III

 

[WR Moore]

MOST IMPORTANT! Once you get the cylinder out and before attempting the instructions on properly torquing the ejector rod, place 2 cases in chambers to lock the ejector star in place. The itty-bitty tab in place to keep the ejector star from rotating while loading/unloading isn't intended to take the load of tightening the threads.

 

[stoneman]

Weird, mine did that too The first time I cleaned it! For me it was some crap that got down behind the cylinder release because I sprayed the whole gun down with solvent. I removed it (screw and thumb piece) and cleaned it the best I could and got it to open and then by working the release a few times worked the crap out. Also maybe make sure the lock is disengaged all the way.

 

[CUBANOS]

Thanks for the advice...was able to remove & repair....it works