Cylinder Rotation Off Stop

[Drem]

Along with the good advice provided above, and if the stop will not hold after the new OEM stop spring is installed, there is an adjustment step on the top of the cylinder stop, just behind the ball. Removal of material here will allow the stop to go slightly higher through the frame and further up into the cylinder slot. (you should also check the cylinder slots for debris if you haven't done so)

Adjusting the cylinder stop in this manner may solve the problem. Be sure the sideplate is installed when you check to confirm the stop is holding.

Before step adjustment double check for a bit of room (wink) between the top of the stop bevel, and the underside of the trigger hook. If there is no gauge here and you let the stop out by removing material from the step, the trigger may not fully reset.


Condition of the stop ball/cylinder slots (and the spring) is critical to the stop holding properly when at rest. Crowned, peened, or worn edges can cause the stop to cam out of the cylinder slots.


This is a K series cylinder stop, but the adjustment step on the J frame is in the same location......








If you decide to modify the cylinder stop, check for a bit of gauge here prior to the work......



Carter

Not trying to steal 54Bill's thread but I am having the same issue with my Mod36. There is a bit of wear (shiny bare metal) on one edge of the ball. In your last photo I do have a tiny bit of space between the trigger hook and bevel. If I place a screwdriver in the gap between the frame and the bottom of the cylinder stop and apply a bit of pressure the stop/ball will move upwards and provide a positive lock up of the cylinder.

So I am assuming I do not need to touch the adjustment stop since there is upward movement? Could it be an issue with the stop's spring?

My apologies 54Bill for jumping in your thread to hopefully get answers to my issue.

Here is my thread.

Thread 'Model 36 Questions (Date/Cylinder Lock Up)'

Jun 28, 2025

First what year is associated with serial number 1J074XX?

Secondly, with the cylinder closed it will not lock up 100%. Trying to rotate the cylinder counterclockwise (when looking at the hammer) it locks up on each notch. However it can be rotated clockwise with not a lot of effort. Each of the notches appear to be clean and the cylinder stop is showing just a bit of wear to the coloring. The edges are crisp.

Edited to add: Cylinder stop spring appears to be pushing it up strongly.
Edited again: The barrel is not pinned and the logo is on the left hand side.

Any advice/education would...

• Drem
• Replies: 14
• Forum: S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980