Flat latch Model 36

[anticus]

Recently acquired this 1962 vintage Model 36. In great shape but hard to open. Have to push hard on the latch to open the crane. Of course the later style latch provides a greater mechanical advantage, but is that the real issue here ?

 

[Frailer]

Have you checked to ensure the ejector rod is tight?

 

[westernswede]

I still like snubs.

 

[Pisgah]

Tighten the ejector rod.

 

[JH1951]

What Pisgah suggested.
In addition to that, give it a thorough cleaning (including under the ejector star), and a bit of lubrication afterwards. I had one that was so stiff it was concerning. A soak with Kroil oil fixed everything. I think whatever it was treated with prior to a long storage turned to varnish. (Have seen that happen many times.)

 

[444 Magnum]

I think whatever it was treated with prior to a long storage turned to varnish.

Rem Oil will seize up like that.

 

[153]

Something about the flat latch seems to improve the looks of the Chief …

 

[JH1951]

Something about the flat latch seems to improve the looks of the Chief …

And diamond grips......

 

[anticus]

The ejector seems tight to me. I hit it with some Kroil and opened it up several times. May just need to be exercised, like me.

 

[anticus]

Would replacing bolt spring help ?

 

[JH1951]

Have you "cleaned" it, or just lubricated it?
Dirt is a likely culprit, and the easiest one to resolve. check for debris behind the ejector star, and assure the ejector rod is snug. Cleaning it will either fix the issue or at least eliminate the possibility of dirt and debris as the culprit. A simple lubrication is often not enough....

 

[gmborkovic]

Try the little detent under the barrel for the end of the rod. They get gummed up and have to be exercised.

 

[anticus]

Kroil really helped ! It upens pretty smooth now.

 

[chief38]

And BTW that's not even the real flat Flat Latch. The earlier version on the Baby's didn't have the thumb catch at the front. I've got a few of those and while I do like the look, they are sometimes a bit harder to operate quickly.

 

[OLDSTER]

 

[4BODIDDLEY]

It’s a 36 flat latch kinda day

This one is from about 1960

 

[Ceapea]

Very nice!
Just a few months ago, I sold my 1956 flat latch Chief's Special. With box and original receipt ($58 + tax in '56) for $500

 

[javbike]

Recently acquired this 1962 vintage Model 36. In great shape but hard to open. Have to push hard on the latch to open the crane. Of course the later style latch provides a greater mechanical advantage, but is that the real issue here ?

I see some beautiful blued smith on this forum what do you apply on your blued guns looks great

 

[RSIKR]

The ejector rod has a left hand thread. If you tighten or loosen it use a couple of expended casings in the cylinder or dummy rounds to avoid stressing the extractor star to pin fitment.
Check under the ejector star for debris or unburnt powder.
If you remove the screw under the cylinder on the right hand side plate the cylinder and ejector rod assembly can be removed and cleaned.

 

[smithra_66]

Recently acquired this 1962 vintage Model 36. In great shape but hard to open. Have to push hard on the latch to open the crane. Of course the later style latch provides a greater mechanical advantage, but is that the real issue here ?

My 1961 is similar. It's pretty stiff too. The solution is to put some wear on it.