Same S&W 1st model New Frontier 44 Russian, different problem

[Steve Dee]

Hi folks,
Ok I got the trigger guard back on and installed a new extractor star but the pistol won't advance the cylinder. With the break action open, everything works fine. Hand is traveling upward correctly. As soon as I lock the barrel, the cylinder might spin a couple times on trigger pull but most of the time the hammer doesn't travel rearward enough to drop on the chamber. I field stripped and cleaned it and as I said, it functions flawlessly with the barrel open. But closed, it will even freeze up solid mid trigger pull until I break it open to finish the cycle. Anyone ever encounter this?
Thanks
Steve Dee
And yes, I bought a new extractor/ratchet from Popperts while I waited for the microweld to come back from Tony. Both show the same problem.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

You said you replaced the extractor star. I assume this part came with the
ratchet? If so, then there is probably a different relationship between the
hand and the cylinder in respect to timing. The hand may have been built
up to compensate for a worn ratchet but now with a new ratchet, it is too
long.

I don't know this for sure. It is just a thought. It could be something else.

Cheers!
Webb

 

[mmaher94087]

I'll go back to your original post where you thanked Tony for his micro-welding. Will you elaborate on what was done in the off chance this is related? A second item is that the cylinder stop plunger and spring are gummed up. On the .44 DA's the plunger and spring are in the trigger. Most cleanings and lube never get to the plunger. Pop off the side plate and lube it directly. Let us know the results and we will go from there.

 

[Steve Dee]

Hi There,

You said you replaced the extractor star. I assume this part came with the
ratchet? If so, then there is probably a different relationship between the
hand and the cylinder in respect to timing. The hand may have been built
up to compensate for a worn ratchet but now with a new ratchet, it is too
long.

I don't know this for sure. It is just a thought. It could be something else.

Cheers!
Webb

Hi Webb ,
Star came with ratchet. Accurate with micrometer. I used prussian blue to see the hand impressions on the ratchet. The wear is exactly where it should be. You have a good point though. Even if the hand is catching under the ratchet overhang on each cylinder, it could be too long. How to test that theory....hmmm

 

[Steve Dee]

I'll go back to your original post where you thanked Tony for his micro-welding. Will you elaborate on what was done in the off chance this is related? A second item is that the cylinder stop plunger and spring are gummed up. On the .44 DA's the plunger and spring are in the trigger. Most cleanings and lube never get to the plunger. Pop off the side plate and lube it directly. Let us know the results and we will go from there.

First off, thank you for your reply. I stripped the gun and scrubbed with Hoppes. No gum anywhere. As far as Tony is concerned, he welded a new bump on each ratchet cog of the cylinder star. They were hand filed down to spec. No change. My only option might be to remove the hand, cycle the action and shave off the tip of the hand. I just bought a new MIG welder so re-adding the tip is an option if I goof up.