Chief Special Cylinder Question

[SASABERANGER]

A neighbor of mine has an old flat latch square butt Chief Special that has a cylinder play problem.
When the cylinder is opened it will slide fore and aft on the yoke.
I have seen this before in older hand ejector type revolvers, but never thought about a cure.
Is there a fix for the play in the cylinder? If so, what is it.
The cylinder play is causing him some concern. One local "gun smith" told him not to worry about it, and returned the gun to him. He wants to get it repaired, but wants to know if it a major fix or something easy.
Any help or info would be greatly appreciated.
email me at: [email protected]
Thom Braxton
SWCA #1474

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

Normally when the cylinder is opened the cylinder will have motion. Possibly it could be tightened up some if the frame lug was replaced.

 

[dfariswheel]

The S&W cylinder will slide back and forth when the cylinder is open.

The only limit on the amount of movement is the cylinder stop stud, which is the small round lug on the lower-rear of the left side of the frame "window".

That stud prevents the cylinder from simply falling off the yoke when the cylinder is opened.
Fitting a new stud might limit the movement more, but the cylinder WILL slide back and forth when its open.

If he feels the amount of movement is too much, or it just bugs him, a good gunsmith or S&W can fit a new stud.