Model 19 cylinder opening question?????

[45Badger]

I'm relatively new to revolvers. I've got two model 18's, two model 15's, and now two model 19's.

The first model 19 (I got it a couple months ago) is very "stiff" to open. I push the latch forward, and have to give a significant push on the cylinder to get it open. The second model 19 (yesterday's gun show!) opened and closed smoothly at show, opened and closed smoothly at range this morning (where it was practically a one holer at 10 yards with Fed GM 148 gr wcs!), but got seriously stiff when I started cleaning it.

All my others open smoothly and easily.

Am I doing something wrong? Did I screw something up?

Thanks in advance for the diagnosis!

 

[Old Fuff]

First, check to be sure the ejector rod hasn't unscrewed itself (and remember it has a backward/left hand thread) and second, use an old toothbrush or similar to scrub out any fouling under the extractor star.

If this doesn't cure the problem you may have cylinder end-shake. While pushing the latch thumbpiece forward, use your other hand to pull the cylinder backwards, and then swing it out. See if things go easier. Next do the same thing, but push the cylinder forward and then swing it out. When you do this it may be harder to swing the cylinder out.

When you are done report back with the results.

 

[isp2605]

Have you or someone else had the side plate screws out? Might have got them switched.

 

[45Badger]

First, check to be sure the ejector rod hasn't unscrewed itself (and remember it has a backward/left hand thread)

Old Fuff RULES! First guess gets it right! MANY THANKS!!!!!!!!

 

[45Badger]

Really!

 

[Old Fuff]

My bill will be in the mail Monday...

 

[Standing Wolf]

I wonder why Smith & Wesson doesn't include a note of caution with each revolver. Unscrewing ejector rods are the norm, not the exception any more.

 

[Old Fuff]

They did change to a left-hand thread so that in theory the turning cylinder would tighten a wedged extractor rod. Obviously it doesn't work, so yes - a warning would be a good idea.

 

[Jet22]

a warning would be a good idea

Good idea! They could stamp it on the barrel!






































Just kidding!!!

 

[unspellable]

cylinder opening problem

While all the above are good points, the most common cause I've seen has been dried out, dirty, gummy lube between the lower part of the yoke, the yoke hinge, and the frame. Second most common cause has been a misfitted side plate screw, often due to swapping screws. Next would be the ejector rod backing out, although one case of this was on a Rossi. Although it strikes me as entirely possible, I've never had one stick because of crud under the ejector star.