N-frame thumb latch occasional sticks

[stoneke]

I have a Pre 27 that after dry firing, has a one-time light "catch" in opening the cylinder. After opening and closing the cylinder the latch lever is then glassy smooth. Should I then dry fire again a few times, this catch returns and is subsequently smooth again with the following openings. This is puzzeling. Any ideas?

 

[alwslate]

If I owned a pre 27 I wouldn't be dry firing it. What's the purpose in dry firing it? Are you cycling the action as fast as you can for some reason?

 

[stoneke]

Gentle single action practice - sight alignment and trigger control.

 

[fiveeightysix]

So if I understand this correctly, the cylinder is hard to open occasionally, but then after opening and closing it, the problem goes away until the next time it is fired? Is that correct?

 

[stoneke]

It is the actual latch that has a slight "hitch" in its travel. The cylinder opens fine. The hitch is the annoying factor.

 

[stoneke]

Yes, correct.

 

[toad67]

Take the nut and thumb piece off and see if there is anything under them that could be causing the problem.

 

[Imissedagain]

^^^^
In addition, make sure the cylinder pin moves smoothly, and maybe it's time to remove the side plate to inspect the bolt etc etc.
Check for burrs, and how to deal with them properly.
Oil and lube as necessary.
The skills/tools gained with the 63-3 project, taking Smiths apart is fun, as was the Colt Plus II project.
The Mrs, called me, Mr. Peen.

 

[chief38]

I have a Pre 27 that after dry firing, has a one-time light "catch" in opening the cylinder. After opening and closing the cylinder the latch lever is then glassy smooth. Should I then dry fire again a few times, this catch returns and is subsequently smooth again with the following openings. This is puzzeling. Any ideas?

If you have ascertained there is no debris under the release latch, check to make sure the ejector rod (at the very front) is not slightly hanging up on the angled locking pin. Sometimes the ejector rod does not come out quite far enough and ever so slightly hangs up in the shoulder of the rod tube. Easily resolved by fitting it. BUT..... before doing that, make SURE your ejector rod has not loosened up!!

 

[fiveeightysix]

All good advice. Post a reply once you get it figured out. My bet is a loose thumb piece that is letting the cylinder bolt come slightly out of the track every now and then.
Be very careful messing with the Center Pin length...that can get you in a heap of trouble. Ive only had to adjust ejector rod length when necessary to get proper cylinder opening. I have not replaced many center pins.

 

[WR Moore]

I'd suggest a good cleaning and light lube. You might have a wee bit of rust -or maybe congealed old oil-starting to form somewhere in the internals.

 

[gwpercle]

If I owned it ... No Dry Fireing and a good clean and lube job.

But what do I know .
Gary

 

[stoneke]

After a thorough cleaning of all parts, the problem hitch improved, but not perfect. I now have it completely solved after cycling only the latch 50 times. This finally worked in whatever was preventing a smooth travel. Now a happy owner.