Cylinder "sticks" when opening.

[smokycity]

I have a Model 64-5 that I think is an early MIM parts gun. The cylinder randomly "sticks" when I try to open it. I have to cycle/rotate the cylinder to realign something and eventually it will open.

It seems that when I push/thumb the cylinder release latch forward, it's not pushing the locking bolt under the barrel far enough to release and open the cylinder. I checked the extractor rod and it's tight.

Obviously, the problem is somewhere in the train of the thumb latch bolt, the extractor rod center pin, and the locking bolt. I'm not a gunsmith and don't have proper smithing tools, but it there something I can adjust with basic small tools or should I go find a proper gunsmith, or send it back to S&W for repair?

 

[Vtgw938]

If everything is clean and fitting properly, the end of the extractor (rod) may need slight removal of metal. You probably will find it hangs up on the same cylinders. Try loosing the rod just a tad and see if it does the same thing but worse. With a fine file or stone work the end of the rod that is catching on the locking bolt.

 

[Protocall_Design]

The extractor rod may be unscrewing and getting longer.

 

[zonker5]

I have had the locking pin not want to go completely into the extractor rod when the latch is pushed. A drop of oil solved the problem and reduced the pressure needed to open the cylinder.

 

[326MOD10]

Might search hear for how to tighten the extractor rod and hopefully that solves the issue.

I had a Model 19 that did the same thing when I first purchased it. Got worse and a simple search of here and Google showed me how to tighten it.

Just make sure you have some spent casings in the cylinder and I used a proper tool to tighten mine.

Hope it is something that simple.

Good Luck.

 

[WR Moore]

After checking for a loose ejector/extractor rod do the following: with the cylinder swung open, use a block of some kind to push the center pin flush with the ratchet. While holding the block in place look at the end of the ejector/extractor rod. The center pin should be flush with the end of the rod or slightly proud (0.005 in) of the end. If it isn't you need to file the end of the ejector/extractor rod down, keeping it square.

You might also want to look at the end of the locking bolt (thing that fits in the end of the ejector/extractor rod) and make sure there's slight flat on the end of it. If the flat isn't big enough, the end of the locking bolt can catch in the chamfer of the center pin bore.

 

[Alk8944]

The extractor rod may have been replaced previously. Many people do not understand that the extractor rod is not a drop-in part and needs to be fit if replaced as replacements are a few thousandths long.

If when you push the center pin flush with the back of the extractor the front of the center pin is below flush with the end of the extractor rod then this is your problem. Simply dress the front of the extractor rod down until is is flush or slightly shorter that the center pin. Usually only .005" to .010" is all that is needed to be removed. I cannot recall ever replacing an extractor rod that didn't need to be fit!

 

[tom2]

I just looked at my 64 and with the cylinder open, the end of the cylinder release appears flush with the breach face. I depressed the extractor rod where it comes thru the star. It has a rounded profile and can be depressed flush with the star. The catch under the barrel moves freely when depressed and it can also be depressed flush with it's housing. With the rear of the extractor rod depressed flush with the star the other end comes a few thousandths short of being flush with the end of the outer rod. Is the plunger under the barrel maybe got an issue with it's shape contour? Does it depress freely without any snags?

 

[smokycity]

Thanks for the replies. Vtgw938, you are correct in it hanging up on the same cylinders. The extractor/plunger rod is tight and doesn’t seem to be coming loose. I’ll try pushing the center pin forward to check for how close to flush it comes to the end of the rod, when I get home from the business trip I left on today. Again, thanks for the responses.