Help with a No Dash Model 19, needs work

[flightlessgreeb]

I recently picked up 3x S&W revolvers in a package deal which included a Model 19 no dash which appears to be made in 1960 based on the serial. It was very cheap because something is going on inside - maybe the cylinder barrel is bent or something but the cylinder will barely turn in the gun, you have to sort of help it along with an offhand, others it's too difficult to cock the hammer.

Are there any working gunsmith out there who can fit replacement parts out there or is this something that has to go back to the factory? I'd really prefer to keep the finish the same (worn as it is) if it's possible to do that and I know the factory won't ask before replacing parts if you send it back to them (at least that's been my previous experience) plus I'm not sure if they still work on guns this age.

I'm guessing this isn't something I can fix myself on the couch so I'm happy to send it out - I love model 19s and even if it costs a bit of money I'd rather return a gun to working order rather then part it out as a parts gun. Thanks!

 

[BC38]

It all depends on why it is hard to turn.
Is the front of the cylinder making contact with the rear end of the barrel? There should always be a tiny gap and the two parts should never come into contact with each other.
If you open the cylinder and spin it, does it turn freely? Does it wobble?
Have you checked the extractor rod to make sure it is fully screwed into the cylinder?
Also check under the extractor star to make sure there isn't something under it keeping it from seating fully in the cylinder.
Have you put a couple of drops of lube down into the cylinder where the extractor rod screws in?

 

[ken158]

If you had your location with your information it is possible someone close by would offer to look at it.

 

[flightlessgreeb]

OK so after posting I pulled the cylinder from the gun and gave it a thorough cleaning and oiling with special attention to the area under the extractor star like you mentioned. Now the cylinder turns easily on all except two chambers. I can see light between the cylinder and the barrel nub on all chambers including the two that are hard to turn. The cylinder when not locked in place rotates easily with no apparent wobble. The extractor rod is tight and will not budge. It has also been lubed (as of now)

Edit: I'm located in the bay area of California, I generally don't like advertising that everywhere since I've had some issues in the past on other forums - local help would be lovely though!

 

[flightlessgreeb]

One other symptom I've just noticed - it's difficult to lock the cylinder into place in the last bit of travel. It's also very difficult to unlock the cylinder on certain chambers.

 

[merl67]

My prediction is this will me a simple fix once the problem is found, and it looks like you are well on your way. I would suggest removing the grips, and getting some goods solvent such as break parts cleaner using the tube that comes with it spray into all the openings while working the action. After a thorough cleaning reoil using a good grade gun oil through all the openings again while working the action. Someone suggested with the cylinder open spin the cylinder, and look for any wobble. If that looks ok check, and make sure the ejector rod is tight. Recheck under the ratchet star/ ejector to make sure no crud is present doesn't take much. With the cylinder closed slowly cock the hammer back while watching the cylinder stop to mske sure it is dropping out of the way before the cylinder starts to turn.

 

[ThinManX]

You may want to ask in the S&W-Smithing section.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/