Question: Model 10-7 cylinder release

[Moe W]

I bought a Model 10-7, 6" barrel, at internet auction and have an inspection period. It was made in 1980 apparently and appears to have been fired very little that I can see...but not sure. The thing is...the cylinder release is difficult to operate. It takes a good hard push with my thumb and then I hear a bit of a click and it releases. It was almost not possible on a couple of tries at first but I took the grips off and dropped some oil in that area and have been working it so now it always responds but still takes a harder push than my other Smiths including a like new Model 64 I just bought that was hardly used. So, should I be be concerned about this or just live with it and figure it will gradually get better?? I like the gun and feel I got a very good price on it. But I do not know the mechanics of this and wonder if this is a sign of coming trouble. Thank you in advance for your knowledge and advice.
I should add....that I think someone just let it sit for a long time in storage because it did have some small spots of crusty rust on the backstrap and one side of hammer. I mention this in case anyone suspects rust as a problem internally.

 

[oldafsp]

It's time to take the sideplate off....

 

[Jack Flash]

It would not hurt to keep putting in a few drops of oil and working the cylinder release as you have already done. It may loosen up enough this way if you're not in a hurry.

You can always take the sideplate off later. Just be sure to know what you're doing or you will scratch up the gun, mangle the screw heads, etc.

 

[snubbyfan]

Last gun I bought was shot once, cleaned(kinda) and thrown in a drawer for 17 years. The trigger, cylinder and cylinder release were stiff. After disassembly I found some light surface rust and corrosion on the internals. I cleaned and relubed it and it's working great now.
If you haven't been behind the sideplate of a S&W revolver, have a gunsmith check it out.
It sounds like that gun needs to be completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and relubed.

 

[Moe W]

Thanks to everyone for your advice

I have been out-of-town on urgent personal matter so just now reading the advice. I will not take the sideplate off myself because of lack of experience. I will take to a gunsmith and have it taken apart and cleaned, re-lubed. I appreciate the advice a great deal. What a great resource this forum is.

 

[snubbyfan]

Great, let us know how it works out.
This forum is a great resource of gun knowledge.