Taurus - Model 85 - Stuck Cylinder Latch

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I have had a model 85 stainless for several years. However, this past weekend, after only firing five shots at the range, I tried to use the cylinder latch but it would not budge. It is completely stuck! It is in the normal position, but can not move forward no matter how hard I push. I have never had this problem prior. As you can imagine, the spent shells are still inside the cylinder and cannot be removed. Any suggestions would be appreciated to fix this one. The cylinder does rotate upon trigger pull correctly, I just cannot eject it (due to the cylinder latch not moving).

I did post this same message on a taurus board - -they are all very helpful -- especially the suggestion stating that the ejector rod may of backed out a tad (come unscrewed) and cause the issue. However, I do not think that is my problem at this time. I tried to tighten it with no success.

 

[strat81]

Try some BreakFree, let it sit for a while, wipe off, try again.

 

[SDC]

It's also possible that your ejector-rod has unscrewed itself under recoil, making it long enough that you now can't push it forward far enough to get it to release. Before you start dicking around trying to figure out exactly what's happened, make damn sure you've got an empty revolver. Offhand, I can't recall if Taurus uses left-hand or right-hand threads on their rods, but it's one of the likely possibilities.

 

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It is possible that the ejector rod unscrewed a little - - but I cannot move the cylinder latch at all. Does that still make sense (I am not second guessing, but am only looking to understand further).

 

[Glockman17366]

If the ejector rod unscrewed a bit, that may prevent the cylinder from rotating out of the frame, but wouldn't prevent the cylinder latch from moving.

I know you've shot out the 5 rounds, but since the trigger turns the cylinder, shoot through them again...just be safe!

You could try backing the latch screw out a ¼ to ½ turn and see if that helps. If not, remove the grips. I think you can see the latch mechanism with the grips off, but I've not pulled an 85's grips off in years and I am not a 'smith.
If you can see the mechanism, you may find a broken spring..that's my guess.

If you're not sure, take it to your dealer. I'm sure he'll have a 'smith that can look at your gun.

BTW, your gun's manual has a parts breakdown. Take a look at it. If you can't find the manual, just go to the Taurus web site and do a product search for 85. The manuals are linked on there.

Good luck, and let us know what you find out (or PM me at least)

 

[SDC]

If the rod unscrews enough, it'll jam against the forward end of the underlug/shroud, and it WILL stop the thumb latch from moving forward, since there has to be some fore-and-aft movement in order for it to lock up in the first place. Once the cylinder is in the frame, it's supported at the back end by the rounded nub of the rear end of the ejector-rod (fitting into a hole in the recoil shield) and at the front end by a spring-loaded nub that fits into the divot at the front end of the rod. The more I think about this, the more I'm convinced that this is what's happening here, and it's going to be a PITA to unlatch unless you can somehow either thread the rod back into the cylinder, or remove the spring-loaded nub at the front end of the underlug.

 

[Glockman17366]

Good diagnosis, SDC!
I didn't think about the ejector rod jamming the cylinder back...

 

[ogivemeplat]

Opposite thread

Had the same thing happen to me a long time ago.
It was the ejector rod that backed out.
It threads opposite, so make sure that when you turn it, you're going the correct way.
I used something sharpish, along with a rag, to pry the knurled end of the ejector rod into rotating. Left a few tiny scratches, but nothing really noticeable.
Hard to explain, but try putting a screwdriver at 90 degrees to the rod, and pry off the shroud/barrel.
It's not exactly scientific, but worked. Doesn't take much force, just need to get the rod started.
Then tighten it properly before you shoot again.

 

[Glockman17366]

So, any resolution to this?