cylinder spins

[likestotrade]

I will be aquiring a smith and wesson 38 think it is made in the 70's dont know the model number yet. but when it is resting the cylinder will spin backwards. it will fire okay and the only problems i know about it at this time is that it will spin when resting. My question is ... what would cause this and how much and how easy is it to fix.

 

[madmikeb]

It's hard to say what the problem may be, it could be something as simple as a lot of gunk in the lockwork, or it could be much more serious. It is something that should be looked at by a professional that is very familiar with Smith revolvers.
I will say this though, even though it will fire, it should not be under any circumstances! If a round goes off and the chamber isn't completely lined up with the barrel things could go very badly and I wouldn't want to be holding the gun if this happens.

 

[11e40]

my guess would be a stuck or damaged cylinder stop. probably stuck in the down position. could just be gummed up. do not fire this weapon untill you get it repaired!! hth.

 

[murphydog]

It sounds as though you "will be" getting this gun, but as noted above it may be one that will take some work to make functional.

If you want it no matter what, I don't think it will do any harm to degunk the internals with brake cleaner, then lubricate lightly and see if the problem is fixed. If not, off to the gunsmith.

 

[jimmyj]

1. disassembly and clean everything
2. if condition presists-replace cylinder stop and spring
3. if condition is still present-obtain the services of a Gunsmith

 

[Mike McLellan]

1. disassembly and clean everything
2. if condition presists-replace locking bolt and spring
3. if condition is still present-obtain the services of a Gunsmith

I presume that by "locking bolt", you meant cylinder stop.

 

[sodacan]

There are millions of .38 revolvers around. There is no reason to buy one in that condition, regardless of the price. There could be other things wrong with it, and it could turn into a money pit. Unless it's rare or collectible, walk away.

 

[Old TexMex]

I presume that by "locking bolt", you meant cylinder stop.

I bet he didn't.

 

[Alk8944]

I bet he didn't.

Bet he DID!!!!!

The "Locking bolt" is at the front of the extractor rod. The Cylinder Stop is what keeps the cylinder from turning.

Confusing when the wrong nomenclature is used and the assumption is made that everyone will know what was meant instead of what was said, ain't it!

 

[Old TexMex]

Bet he DID!!!!!

The "Locking bolt" is at the front of the extractor rod. The Cylinder Stop is what keeps the cylinder from turning.

Confusing when the wrong nomenclature is used and the assumption is made that everyone will know what was meant instead of what was said, ain't it![/
Absolutely correct! Probably confuses the OP worse than the nomenclature.
I've heard the locking bolt used here a number of times in place of cylinder stop. Hence the ""

 

[likestotrade]

didnt buy it ty all for the info

 

[jimmyj]

I presume that by "locking bolt", you meant cylinder stop.

Yes. My bad.