Foward Plate Screw Question

[palmetto99]

First statement: If I don't get the names of the parts correct, forgive me!

When I clean a revolver, I remove the forward side plate screw to be able remove the yoke and cylinder for ease of cleaning.

A couple of weeks ago, I picked up a very clean model 581. I got to take it to the range over the weekend and ran a few rounds through it. So far, I like the thing.

After my cleaning session, I began to re-assemble the 581. I had the yoke/cylinder in place and made the foward plate screw hand tight. I went to open the cylinder and it wouldn't open. No problem, I backed the screw out and all was fine.

I don't recall ever having to back out the foward plate screw and any of my K or J frames. Is this just something I need to remember for my one and only L frame?

Thanks.

 

[LDThornton]

The other plate screw further back behind the trigger looks nearly identical to the forward plate screw as you put it. I'm wondering if a previous owner got them switched. Try switching them to see if that is the problem.

 

[pownal55]

i find when i tighten the forward plate screw ( yolk retention screw ), the cylinder seems to open and close with a little binding. back it off a quarter turn seems to relieve this, but the experts claim it should be tight.

 

[2152hq]

LDT has it nailed I think. The front side plate screw was fitted to the gun in final assembly at the factory by carefully shortening the tip so that it just barely allowed the yoke to swing free.
The other side plate screw is 'stock' length and will in most cases bind the yoke when tightened up in the front position.
You can usually see the file marks on the tip of the fitted one.

It may also be a replacement too that was never fitted,,just put into place and then backed out a bit to allow the yoke to function.

Try the switch first. If that doesn't do it, then just carefully file the tip till it will allow free movement.

 

[palmetto99]

Thanks for the input folks.