Flat latch backward

[dmc51]

I am good enough to disassemble the pre 36 5 screw I was willed. My issue, and why I broke it down, if the flat latch only opens the cylinder when its pushed to the rear.
Its timed right and no end shake. I couldn't see anything wrong.
Any ideas, Dave

 

[robertrwalsh]

Was it like that BEFORE you disassembled it?

 

[AlHunt]

Was it like that BEFORE you disassembled it?

OP says that's why he took it apart.

Should be an interesting one.

 

[twodog max]

Maybe it secretly wanted to be a Colt. Just joking. That is a head scratcher. I am no expert but does not seem possible.

 

[kobsw]

Maybe it secretly wanted to be a Colt. Just joking. That is a head scratcher. I am no expert but does not seem possible.

Maybe a clone?

Or someone modified the bolt..

Not sure either,

Kobsw

 

[s&wchad]

When I first read your post, it sounded like you had to push the latch to the rear to open the cylinder. That's all but impossible, unless it's really a Colt!

After re-reading your post several times, I think what your saying is that you need to pull the cylinder to the rear while pushing the latch forward to swing it open. Sounds like endshake, but you say there's none. That problem suggests to me that the center pin isn't moving forward enough to disengage the front of the ejector rod from the front locking bolt. If that's the case, the front of the ejector rod just needs to be fitted properly (shortened). Before I did that, I'd make certain the ejector rod is properly tightened.

 

[AlHunt]

I think what your saying is that you need to pull the cylinder to the rear while pushing the latch forward to swing it open.

That makes more sense!

 

[gwpercle]

A photo , or three, would be worth a few thousand words .

Maybe it isn't a S&W . I have a revolver that looks like a S&W except for the nice "Safety" lever on the left side ? push the lever all the way up and the gun can't be fired !
Gary

 

[armorer951]

Wow......7th post since December 2006. Sounds as if things were going quite well until now?

I'm going to land on the premise that the revolver is full of a mixture of gunk and old WD-40. Not sure about the manufacturer yet.

Sure hope the OP doesn't leave us hanging.

 

[dmc51]

Flat latch

No cylinder movement. Its timed perfectly and has @95% lockup. Just the slightest movement with the hammer back. The thought of grime, old coagulation of oil, or a misinstalled part was why I gutted it. Even ordered replacement screws and a flatlatch for the parts gods. I took pictures. I will attempt to upload. You can see the cylinder latch resting forward. I have low feedback because you guys and gals have created a never-ending historical homage to the best broomstick maker the ever was. And yes, I am livid they are leaving my state. Dave

 

[chief38]

No cylinder movement. Its timed perfectly and has @95% lockup. Just the slightest movement with the hammer back. The thought of grime, old coagulation of oil, or a misinstalled part was why I gutted it. Even ordered replacement screws and a flatlatch for the parts gods. I took pictures. I will attempt to upload. You can see the cylinder latch resting forward. I have low feedback because you guys and gals have created a never-ending historical homage to the best broomstick maker the ever was. And yes, I am livid they are leaving my state. Dave

Check to see if the Bolt Spring is actually in the bolt! It may be missing.

MA did not give S&W much of a choice about manufacturing and staying there and quite honestly, I'd have gotten the hell out of there years prior if it were my Company.

 

[dmc51]

Spring is there. I pulled all the parts. Tried to figure a way of reversing the cylinder release . no joy.

 

[armorer951]

Is the center pin moving freely in the cylinder assembly? From the position of the front locking bolt, it looks like the center pin is trapped forward.

Is the action (hammer) cycling normally with the bolt fully forward? If so, the bolt is damaged or modified.

 

[dmc51]

It is. I had to look at pictures to ensure I broke it down and rebuilt it properly.
I will try that again in a few days. Putting the hammer back in was a bugger. Every thing was tight when I pulled it out.
Worst case, I will find a local qualified gunsmith to check it.
Please feel free to send me names and numbers of anyone in Ma. or southern N.H. that work on older S&W.
Barring that, I might just have to buy the same type in better condition.��

 

[WR Moore]

Check out Tarnhelm Police Supply in NH, sorry but don't know where it is. The internet might be able to locate it for you. If he hasn't retired, Rick Devoid owns it and is/was a certified S&W armorer.

 

[Hondo44]

You're post title says, "Flat latch backward". And it is installed backwards in your photo.

Turn it around and see if it works right. Take the screw out of the flat latch, turn it 180 degrees and put it back on.

If that doesn't work, take a picture of the inside with the side plate off.

 

[glowe]

Looks like the center pin is not moving backwards into the recoil shield, thus not pushing the latch rearward. I think I see the extended lug pin forward of the lug? Try to open the cylinder while the latch is fully forward? Also try to push the center pin rearward with the cylinder assembly open?