Sticky cylinder.

[loogee]

What is the most common reason for having difficulty opening the cylinder. It is a flat latch Mdl 36 snub. Thanx.

 

[Retired W4]

Someone swapped the front side plate screw with the screw behind the trigger guard. The front screw is fitted to the yoke. Try swapping them back.

 

[daveboy]

Like Retired W4 stated, someone has most likely got the swapped the screws around. On most S&W models of revolver, there are three screws that are on the sideplate (older models have four). These three screws can be interchanged. However, the front screw is fitted. It is what holds the yoke into the frame. So, if you put one of those other screws in its place, the yoke will either not open at all, or it will be very sticky.

 

[stansdds]

Ejector rod unscrewing or debris under the extractor will also make it difficult to get the cylinder unlocked from the frame.