Hello! I recently purchased a Model 36-1 (3 inch, Round butt). It seems in excellent shape, seldom fired. No turn ring on cylinder. Original box and accessories were included. Based on the serial number I would estimate 1982 manufacture (not a pinned barrel). I notice that when I load cartridges or snap caps and spin the cylinder the edges of the caps just touch the piece at the lower right side of the frame (sorry I am not sure of the term for it). As a result the caps or cartridges just barely "click" against it as they pass. I have a couple of model 10's and a 686 and have not experienced this before. Is it normal for a J frame and is it a safety issue? (I don't believe it is but am not, as I am sure you can tell, a smith, just a collector). Any information would be appreciated!
Cylinder Spin Noise Model 36-1
- Thread starter Gdt1964
- Start date
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Hair Trigger
US Veteran
It's called the cylinder stop, keeps the cylinder from sliding back on the axle when the yoke is open. Do the rounds actually hang up and stop the cylinder from rotating, or just barely touch when the cylinder is open? Spinning the open cylinder won't hurt anything, but it's not a part of normal function and as long as the cylinder rotates when locked shut without binding, and times correctly when the gun cocks, you're good to go. Does the cylinder unlock and open easily when unloaded or loaded? Have you checked to make sure the extractor rod is screwed down tight and hasn't backed out any?
Actually, what you are hearing is contact of the case rims with what's called the frame lug.
It may be slightly out of adjustment. or may not have been fit properly at the factory. This shouldn't cause any further problems, other than the noise factor. (clicking)
This is a fairly common issue with models fit with the "old style" frame lug, which had to be hand fit during assembly. The fame lug prohibits (blocks) the cylinder from moving to the rear when the cylinder is open.
You might have it checked by your gunsmith to be sure that it is still staked tightly in place in the frame as it should be. You don't want it to be loose. Perhaps a minor adjustment could be made at that time.
It may be slightly out of adjustment. or may not have been fit properly at the factory. This shouldn't cause any further problems, other than the noise factor. (clicking)
This is a fairly common issue with models fit with the "old style" frame lug, which had to be hand fit during assembly. The fame lug prohibits (blocks) the cylinder from moving to the rear when the cylinder is open.
You might have it checked by your gunsmith to be sure that it is still staked tightly in place in the frame as it should be. You don't want it to be loose. Perhaps a minor adjustment could be made at that time.
Last edited:
Alk8944
US Veteran
As Armorer 951 indicated the correct nomenclature for what many call the cylinder stop is the Frame Lug What you describe is inherent in .38/.357 caliber J Frame models In 60+ years of owning numerous of these guns I do rot recall any of them not exhibiting this trait. As I said it is inherent in these guns and does not cause any function problems. Only the .38/.357 guns do this, not any other caliber guns on this frame size.
The cylinder locks unlocks and locks fine. It was a little stiff but I disassembled, cleaned and oiled the cylinder, crane, yolk etc. and it is fine now. I think it was from sitting unused for so long. The lock-up and timing are great. The bore is even nice and shiny. I did tighten the extractor rod also. That functions A-OK. I thought I was good to go (as you indicate it should be) it's just I never heard the clicking on spin. I do thank you for your expertise and the info!
