Problem with a 57-1

[Fairlane]

I took my 6" 57-1 to the range last week for first time in over a year. Made sure it was clean and lubed before I went out. I was shooting my standard reload, 215gr LSWC, these are not full power loads, more mid range, accurate with moderate recoil. They showed no signs of high pressure and fell out of the cylinder without using the rod. On the 13th shot gun locked solid. Could not move the hammer, trigger or the release. Finally came free and seemed to work fine dry firing. Loaded it up and after first shot locked solid again. After I freed it again worked fine dry firing but the cyliner reease is very hard to operate.

Any ideas what is happening. Something I can fix by detail stripping it or should I just send it S&W?

Thanks

 

[Lopez]

Check the ejector rod. it might be unscrewing itself with the recoil. With the cylinder open, try to twist the ejector rod clockwise and then counterclockwise and see if it is coming out. If it is loose, it is coming out a bit after each shot and will prevent the cylinder release from functioning correctly. This happened on my M17.

 

[Fairlane]

Thanks. I just checked that and the rod is tight. I can't turn it in any direction.

 

[surveyor47]

Check under the ejector star and clean with a brush. Powder residue might have built up under the star. Also, check the cylinder and frame screws on the right side of the gun for tightness.

 

[surveyor47]

If your ammo is reloaded, it is possible that primers may not be seated deeply enough. Check by placing loaded rounds base down on a piece of glass.