Protruding Locking Bolt

[NFrameAddict]

My recently purchased 27-2 has a locking lug that projects well past the under barrel lug when locked up. Cylinder release is fine, but it just doesn't look "right". Would it have left factory like this? Leave alone or try to trim?

Picture attached (I hope…)

 

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum!

To diagnose:

If the locking bolt doesn't stick out as far with the cylinder open, then something is likely amiss.

Check for bent extractor rod,
Is the back end of locking bolt fitting into the front end of extractor rod?
With cyl closed is the cylinder release thumb piece all the way to its rearward travel?

 

[NFrameAddict]

Thanks for your response. All items you mentioned are fine. I saw another 27-2 at LGS that had identical issue. Looking at pictures on gun sale web sites didn't show any more with the protruding bolt. Maybe just a variance in production. It's not hurting anything, so I'll leave it alone.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Some of mine do. Some of mine don't. To me it's non issue.

 

[handejector]

Does it go in further if you push it?
It looks gunky to me. When old oil turns to thick gunk, it can retard the movement. The spring on them is not real strong, and the added resistance of the gunk will sometimes cause it.

 

[mh51]

I've seen that before several times. With the cylinder open, see if the locking bolt will move forward freely and then return on its own. if not, its gummed up with dried oil, and a good cleaning will solve it.

 

[stansdds]

Welcome to the S&W forums. Yes, that locking bolt does stick out pretty far and it is possible that it left the factory like that. Might have been assembled just before quitting time on a Friday afternoon. Do inspect to make sure everything is moving freely and the bolt is actually locking into the end of the ejector rod.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! We're always ready to greet another S&W N-frame addict! I think that this is a non-problem, and for some reason appears to show up more often on .357 Magnums and Model 27s. Here are a couple of examples...my 1955 .357 Magnum, and my 1970 Model 27-2 (my 1971 27-2 has the same issue but not so pronounced). They shoot just fine and everything works smoothly. You didn't mention the s/n of your 27-2, but it might have been manufactured in the same time period as mine and that may have been SOP. The protruding locking bolt pin doesn't show up on any of my other N-frames (Model 25s, 28s, 29s, or 57s). You can try to give the cylinder, extractor, and bolt/pin a good cleaning and see if it makes a difference, but it probably won't. Leave it alone and enjoy!

 

[H Richard]

This Pre 27, (Sept 53 ship date), has the same issue, to a lesser degree. I think it is a non-issue.

 

[NFrameAddict]

Thanks again for all responses. Forum member willingness to offer knowledge and experience is appreciated.

 

[A10]

This Pre 27, (Sept 53 ship date), has the same issue, to a lesser degree. I think it is a non-issue.

Beautiful gun and really nice stocks!