S&W 60 Bent ejector rod

[MikeJackmin]

Just picked up a lightly-used model 60-4 revolver; it works perfectly and locks up nicely, but the ejector rod is visibly bent. It's not so bad that you would notice at first glance, but if you twirl it in your fingers while spinning the open cylinder, the bend is obvious.

Is this something an average person can replace by themselves, or should I take it to a smith? Is it safe to ignore or will it cause problems over time?

Thanks.

 

[kirbythegunsmith]

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A slightly bent ejector rod should be able to be straightened and work OK, as long as the rod had not been severely bent previously. Then the "appearance" of a bend could actually be the best straightness that a previous workover could accomplish.

In that case, you might have the dogleg similar to the shotgun barrels that I have had to straighten before. If you have a bend, straighten in the same place.

I have straightened propshafts for outboard motors, up to the BLACK MAX Merc. 200 HP, and also the drive axle for the large Yamaha 4 x 4. You should never try to cut a fast corner short, especially when a stump is right there - boing! At least I saved the owner about $300.00 or so.

See my previous posts to advance your gun knowledge.

[email protected]

 

[thales]

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I think replacement is the way to go. A new ejector rod will run you about $8 last time I looked. I doubt you will find any gunsmiths willing to straighten one for that amount. To do it yourself will cost way more in tools than eight bucks, even if you can accomplish the job with just a vise and pliers, which you probably can't. To do it right, you need some sort of jig and press with a dial indicator. You would have to straighten a lot of ejector rods to pay for the tools.


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