K-22 Sticking Extractor

[James K]

A very fine 1951 K-22 but the spent shells always stick where I use the wooden end of a hammer on the extractor rod to tap it loose. It doesn't take much but can't do it by hand. It doesn't matter what ammo brand as I run the same through a Colt Officer Model .22 concurrently without issue. The cartridges drop in smoothly in the Smith, just don't come out that way.
I have run a bore snake through the chambers in between firing and it's good for just one 6 round session. I've scrubbed them pretty good while cleaning but maybe a little more? Some polish?
Extractor works fine by itself and with live cartridges.

 

[chief38]

Pretty common scenario with S&W 22 Revolvers. There are a plethora of Threads on this Forum regarding this issue - just do a search. That's the bad news.....

The good news is that with a Manson Cylinder Reamer sold by Brownell's for about $55 bucks you can quickly and easily solve this issue. You simply remove a few thousandths of an inch and all is good - permanently. MAKE SURE you get the CYLINDER Reamer! Read the Threads and you can learn how to do this. All you will need other than the reamer is a Reamer handle (sold separately) and a can of Tap Magic cutting oil.

If you do decide to do it and still need some instruction or advise, PM me.

 

[OutWest50]

As chief38 has indicated, that is a common issue with older S&W 22's. I have a 1958 vintage Model 18 that I "treated" with a Manson cylinder reamer. The gun extracts as intended now.

Be careful about tapping the extractor rod; it can bend which causes another problem to deal with. Plus, the right-hand threaded ejector rods from that era are extremely difficult to find. Instead, consider using a short cleaning rod to punch out the casings until you can ream the cylinders.

The S&W 22's are very much fun to shoot. Enjoy it.

 

[chief38]

As chief38 has indicated, that is a common issue with older S&W 22's. I have a 1958 vintage Model 18 that I "treated" with a Manson cylinder reamer. The gun extracts as intended now.

Be careful about tapping the extractor rod; it can bend which causes another problem to deal with. Plus, the right-hand threaded ejector rods from that era are extremely difficult to find. Instead, consider using a short cleaning rod to punch out the casings until you can ream the cylinders.

The S&W 22's are very much fun to shoot. Enjoy it.

When Reaming the 6 Charge Holes always insert empties (in other holes not being reamed at that moment) to hold everything perfectly steady. Never Ream the Cylinder attached to the Revolver - just remove the screw securing it. DO NOT be shy with the Tap Magic. NEVER turn the Reamer in reverse! ONLY clockwise even when backing out of the Charge Hole. Add Tap Magic 2-3 times while reaming each hole. Clean Reamer off between holes. As soon as the Reamer is almost touching the Extractor Star, stop and remove. DO NOT remove the Extractor Star! That needs Reaming too.

Clean out holes and all debris under and around Ex. Star thoroughly after reaming, then lightly oil with gun oil.

Sounds way more complicated than it is. Pretty much easy-peasy.

 

[James K]

Thanks all. About what I expected. Think I'll punch them out with a rod for now. Maybe do the ream-job in the future.

 

[StrawHat]

Before I knew about reaming I had trouble with ejecting fired shells. To the point I sold both revolvers and have not revisited rimfire revolvers again.

Kevin