model 17 problem

[raymerlo]

I need some help,I have a mod.17 .22cal,I have not used for a number of years,took it out today and behold I can not get the cylinder to release,
the cylinder turns and the hammer cocks and drops,pistol is in great conditon,any ideas before I try to send it some where for repairs
Thanks in advance for any advice...Ray

 

[fodder]

Ejector rod loose

Try pushing the thumb piece and inserting a thin (laminated card) between the front locking lug & the ejector rod. I suspect your rod is not threaded in all the way.

 

[raymerlo]

tried that no luck,I noticed that the pin on the front locking lug does not protrude when the thumb piece is pushed foward,it does on my other smith

 

[tjtoolbox]

Mine did the same thing. I think the spring in the cylinder that lockes it in place is very stiff. I will hold the lever latch and hit the side of the cylinder with the palm of my hand and the cylinder pops open.My model 17 is the only one like that, all my other Smiths open fine.
Hope this helps, Joe.

 

[Camster]

I suspect that the gun is gummed up from sitting.If you're not comfortable with removing the sideplate(and there is a proper procedure for that) in order to clean it and free it up,I would have addressed by a gunsmith or S&W.

 

[raymerlo]

I did not know that there was a certain procedure to remove the side plate,just remove the 3 screws? or what

 

[carl3989]

Go to Youtube

I did not know that there was a certain procedure to remove the side plate,just remove the 3 screws? or what

There are videos that will show you the proper way to take the side plate off. Basically you hold the barrel in your weak hand and strike the grip frame with a soft mallet and the plate will start coming off. Try to keep a finger on the plate for the final srokes so it doesn't pop off and you wont lose any parts. What ever you do don't pry.

 

[raymerlo]

Thanks for the heads up,will give it a try tonite