Hard to swing out the cylinder

[dpotter58]

I have a handful of S&W revolvers and two of them are giving me problems swinging out the cylinders. I have to smack the cylinder on the heel of my hand to get it to open even when empty.
They're clean and lubed. Shot on a regular basis. One is a mod 17 and the other is a 19.
What gives?

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[JackM]

Make sure the (reverse-threaded) extractor rod is tightened all the way.

 

[armorer951]

If you have had the sideplate screws out, it's possible that the screw for the yoke has gotten mixed up with the other crowned sideplate screw. This can cause the yoke to bind if the yoke screw is not in it's proper place. The front sideplate screw is (was) fit to the yoke button at the factory.

Try switching the two crowned screws (front two) in the side plate to see if that helps.

(this would not apply if these are newer guns with the yoke screw redesign, which uses a larger yoke screw with a captured plunger and spring)

 

[nicky4968]

I find a gentle push of the cylinder toward the back of the pistol (where you are) oftentimes helps.

 

[jjmIII_Ruger]

If you have had the sideplate screws out, it's possible that the screw for the yoke has gotten mixed up with the other crowned sideplate screw. This can cause the yoke to bind if the yoke screw is not in it's proper place.
Try switching the crowned screws in the side plate to see if that helps.
(this would not apply if these are newer guns with the yoke screw redesign, which uses a larger yoke screw with a captured plunger and spring)

I have also filed just the slightest amount off the forward yoke screw and the cylinder closes easier. But I also have no business replying in the Smithing forum.

 

[326MOD10]

The only time I have had an issue with cylinder not opening easily it has been the ejector rod needing to be tightened.

You can buy a tool to tighten from Brownells or Midway.

Make sure to put empty casings in the cylinder before using.

 

[BC38]

The only time I have had an issue with cylinder not opening easily it has been the ejector rod needing to be tightened.

You can buy a tool to tighten from Brownells or Midway.

Make sure to put empty casings in the cylinder before using.

^^Same here^^
I use a short piece of a leather belt wrapped around the ejector rod then tighten it in a vice and turn the cylinder til it is tight by hand - with a few empties in the chambers of course.

 

[dpotter58]

The only time I have had an issue with cylinder not opening easily it has been the ejector rod needing to be tightened.



You can buy a tool to tighten from Brownells or Midway.



Make sure to put empty casings in the cylinder before using.

Looked up the tool and voila! That's what those things in my cleaning bag are....Wondered what they were.
Thanks. I'll see if that solves the problem.

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[series guy]

Also if the thumb piece nut gets loose the lost travel of the bolt can cause the cylinder to feel stickey.

 

[dpotter58]

The only time I have had an issue with cylinder not opening easily it has been the ejector rod needing to be tightened.



You can buy a tool to tighten from Brownells or Midway.



Make sure to put empty casings in the cylinder before using.

That was it. Just like new

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[joe44va]

Another thing to check is the little plunger in front of the ejector rod. It tends to get very little attention. A squirt of an aerosol gun cleaner and a bit of oil often helps.