Cylinder hangs in 1917 H.E.

[shep854]

When I try to swing out the cylinder of my revolver, it is hard to open. The cylinder latch feels smooth and goes all the way forward. I can't feel any burrs or roughness on the round part in the extractor that locks into the frame.

Any ideas, or do I need to take it to a gunsmith (knowledgeable about S&Ws, of course)?

 

[Muley Gil]

Check the screws in the sideplate. The front screw is fitted to the yoke. If another screw winds up in the front hole, it tends to bind the yoke.

 

[DCWilson]

What about the release at the front locking lug? If the center pin is 1/100" too short, it won't completely push the front pin out of the ejector rod barrel, and it can take a real sideways push to force the yoke open. I have a Brazilian that I eventually got a new center pin and ejector rod for because the original ones just wouldn't do the job.

With the cylinder open, use the eraser end of a pencil to push the center pin in the middle of the ratchet all the way in. If the front end of the center pin does not come all the way to the end of the ejector rod, that's your problem. (Or a problem; there might be other complicating factors too.)

Note that if the ejector rod is even slightly unthreaded, you have artificially increased the length of the rod without increasing the length of the center pin, and you end up with exactly this situation on a temporary basis.

 

[shep854]

Thanks! I'll check on those.

 

[highpower3006]

+1 on the loose ejector rod.

 

[shep854]

Yep, it was the ejector rod. I was able to turn it slightly, and opening the cylinder became effortless.

Thanks everyone!!

 

[gordonrick]

My Victory had the same problem. Just a loose ejector rod.

A previous owner had busted the thumb latch (probably whacked it with something to try and force it) and apparently took a screwdriver to the front of the yoke to try and pry it open.

 

[Ltlbear]

Search is great here. Fixed a Mod 10 with a loose ejector rod. Great advice.
Thanks,