Sticking cylinder on S&W 8 shot .22 M63

[Landgroove]

It is ...SPORADIC !!
Seems to be only a segment of the cylinder. And a ...random... segment at that.
I've cleaned everything. The ejector rod is tight. There is good lockup. Nearly imperceptible end play.
It ...seems... to work "better" if I apply some upward pressure on the cylinder when swinging out.
---Upward from a low position on the right side of cylinder to press it out.
The bolt cuts "LOOK" uniform. And since it's sporadic, I can't see where a tight bolt would be the culprit.
The bolt itself is clean and not burred.
It self-cures ...at times... if I double action click it PAST the trouble.
I find that it is better if I apply Herculean pressure on the thumbpiece that releases the cylinder.

It's the sporadic nature that is giving me fits.

 

[sparkyv]

That's an odd one. Just spitballing, but what about the cylinder gap; is it consistent on each chamber?

 

[Landgroove]

That's an odd one. Just spitballing, but what about the cylinder gap; is it consistent on each chamber?

Yep. That's what puzzle me.
The "pushing up" that makes it work was what made me think of the bolt. But the bolt and the bolt cuts in the cylinder look good.

 

[film495]

binds when swinging the cylinder out or when firing?

 

[Landgroove]

binds when swinging the cylinder out or when firing?

Only when swinging out. It ...shoots.... fine. Great, in fact. That's what is pissing me off.
And I made a new "discovery." If I.....jiggle... the cylinder, it releases better.

Arrrrghhhh!

 

[film495]

Only when swinging out. It ...shoots.... fine. Great, in fact. That's what is pissing me off.
And I made a new "discovery." If I.....jiggle... the cylinder, it releases better.

Arrrrghhhh!

hmm... sounds like something fishy with the release mechanism. maybe a bent internal piece or whatever the release button interacts with is out of spec.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Is this only when there are cases in the charge holes or empty too? If only with cases, Im wondering about the FP bushing loose in the frame or the FP not rebounding all the way.

 

[Landgroove]

I may have used the wrong word, "sticking" in the OP. Perhaps a better word would be "hanging up."
I have not noticed this while....shooting.
The hangup seems to be with the gun empty after cleaning or during any periodic inspection as I always pop out the cylinder whenever I pick up ANY revolver.
I believe it tends to be one chamber, but I have put blue layout fluid on the face of that chamber and there is NO evidence of rub or friction.
I've cleaned this thing thoroughly which makes it even tougher to diagnose.
The ejector rod is tight. There is good lockup. Nearly imperceptible end play.
I do know how the action operates. I've done trigger jobs and springs,etc. on Smiths and Colts.
I fear this will NEED to go to the factory.

IF..

I am taking it out to shoot in a couple days. I'll pay close attention to any strange event at that time.
The irritating thing is that I have never experienced any problems while out shooting this gun.

It would make it so simple if I had.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I ...WILL... tackle this damn thing til it surrenders.

 

[BBBBill]

@Landgroove With the cylinder open, press the cylinder latch forward while observing the cylinder bolt tip in the breech face. Is it coming flush with the breech or slightly below? Use a pick or such to touch the tip and drag it a cross to see if there's any drag or hesitation when it slides off the tip onto the breech.

 

[Col. Harrumph]

I think Bill is on to something... this sounds like the release bolt isn't doing its job. With the cylinder open the thumbpiece should lock in its forward position. Is the end of the bolt flush with the breech face, or is it slightly below? If that isn't the problem, maybe the ejector rod is too long: try removing it and see if that helps.

 

[Landgroove]

Problem solved.
On another forum, one reader noticed my mention of the Herculean pressure I had to put on the cylinder release button.
.....and
he suggested it COULD be my ....arthritis...

and the resulting weakness that involves.

I also..(hadn't tried because hadn't thought of it) slightly pushing to the rear on the cylinder when swinging it out.

BINGO !!!

Works fine when I do that. Also the jiggling.
Which also makes some sense as when I am actually SHOOTING, I would guess that I probably swing it out differently from when it is empty.

So I think there is a ...minor... misfit of the bolt on ONE cylinder.

Anyhow, now it is okay.

 

[NMexJim]

To be truthful w/ you, I still don't like the fact that you're having to "jiggle". This is not a cheap gun that you should have to wiggle, jiggle, hold your mouth a certain way, or otherwise mess with arthritis or no. Think butter smooth.

If you have a S&W dealer, take it to him. Or a qualified gunsmith if you can find one. Otherwise, here's warranty info such as it is - I'd send it back to them. Or at least call them and see what they have to say. If it's anything like my local Ford dealer, they are booking repairs out into February I kid you not. Hopefully, they are twiddling their thumbs looking for work.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/customer-service/warranty

Or, if you're like me, be determined to find the issue on your own. Tear it down.

 

[Landgroove]

Shot it today. Not a hitch.

May have responded to the intense cleaning.

or..

J frames are less smooth than K-frames. Tried my old M36 Chief Spl and the cylinder is not AS limber as the K series.

Smaller frame just ain't as sweet