Cylinder spins both ways

[donadler]

I have a 28-2 that looks to have been fired very little, barely a turn line, no bluing loss, etc.

Took it to the range for the first time, noticed the extractor rod was a bit loose, hand tightened it, seemed ok.

Loaded 6, closed it and went to index it, and it would spin backwards almost all the way around. Opened it up again, closed it, and after going backwards two chambers, it locked up ok.

Fired it VERY carefully, and it locked up tight and I could shoot it with no problems- put 120 rounds down range, but had to go thru the routine each reload of getting it to where it locked up and would not reverse spin.

Obviously not going to be my carry gun unless it is fixed. I am not the type to tinker in the guts of a gun, but I would like a reasonable explanation as to why this happens and what needs to be done to fix it before I decide to keep it or sell it, after disclosing the problem. Thanks for any responses.

 

[BruceM]

Is the cylinder stop sticking down? If yes, you could have a problem with gunk gumming up the cylinder stop and making it stick. It also could be a weak, broken or incorrectly installed cylinder stop spring.

Bruce

 

[chief38]

Your M28 cant decide if it wants to be a Smith or a Colt. Too much transgender stuff in the news lately you know ........

Yes, it sounds like the Cylinder Stop might have a burr on it and is not returning to its full height position. IF that is the case it can be removed and de-burred easily in a few minutes (by someone familiar with the workings of a Smith). Could also be an improperly installed, broken, missing or bent CS Spring not working correctly to return the CS into position.

 

[Tired Gunsmith]

First thought is that it needs an extensive internal cleaning.
Then check the cylinder stop for burrs, spring action or defect.

 

[reddog81]

It probably just needs a good cleaning. Worst case scenario might include replacing the cylinder stop or spring.

Taking the side plate off and giving it a good cleaning is fairly easy and there are many videos online that show how to do that. I'd start there and then see if that fixes the problem. Basically all S&W revolvers made in the last 100 years have very similar internals. Any video that shows the dis-assembly of a revolver made in the 70's or 80's will have the exact same steps as your 28-2

 

[StakeOut]

Buying a previously owned gun brings into question what has been done to it before it came into your possession.

If the gun is clean and the cylinder is not locking up in the 1st locking notch cut in the cylinder after closing then the cylinder stop(67) under pressure of the cylinder stop spring(68)may need to be stoned slightly so it fits in all 6 notches.

The cylinder stop rubbing on the surface of the cylinder as it turns looking for the next notch is what creates the turn line.

When an S&W revolver cylinder is closed it will turn in either direction to the 1st notch if the cylinder stop is sized correctly.

When the trigger is pulled the hand(72) engages the extractor cut outs and that turns the cylinder counterclockwise.During the same squeezing of the trigger the cylinder stop is lowered allowing the cylinder to turn but will quickly rise and engage the next notch in the cylinder(timing) when the cylinder holes are aligned with the forcing cone.

If a notch is too narrow or the cylinder stop is too wide the cylinder will not lock up and the cylinder can turn in either direction until the stop finds a notch it fits in.

The hand also needs to be properly fitted to the gun in order for the cylinder to turn the correct distance so the cylinder stop can engage the notches.

See Model 28 schematic:
28 S&W Accessories | Numrich Gun Parts

 

[donadler]

Thanks all- sounds like a fairly simple fix, so I will get it fixed and keep it in my arsenal. Appreciate you all taking time to respond.

 

[Alk8944]

Contrary to many of the above comments, being able to rotate a S&W cylinder backward is actually so common that nearly any revolver will do it to some degree. The tapered lead-in to the stop notch is what allows this to happen. The hand doesn't engage the extractor ratchet which turns the cylinder the correct direction until there has been some movement by the trigger.

Don't worry about it until, once the cylinder stop is engaged, the cylinder can be turned backward out of the stop notch. Even then it could be something as simple as just cleaning the lockwork thoroughly.