[motorep]

I've got a Model 66 that doesn't want to unlatch the cylinder. I haven't shot it a lot, maybe 5 or 600 rounds. The cylinder has always been a little "sticky" opening, I thought I had cured it by lubing the pin. Shot it yesterday, now the cylinder won't release without a big whack on the right side of it. The release latch has full travel to the front. Nothing appears different from my Model19 or 617. I've cleaned it, lubed it, polished the cylinder pin. Any ideas before I give it to my gunsmith?

[MikeJ]

You should check out the cylinder release pin to make sure that it isn't short. With the cylinder open push on the pin and see if it is flush with the ejector rod. Mike

[ChristopherG]

I know this sounds bonehead simple, but here it is: have you checked to make sure the ejector rod is fully screwed in? They tend to back out and can cause the problem you're describing. HEADS UP; IT'S THREADED BACKWARDS. So tighten that bad boy down and see if your problem doesn't disappear.
cg

[Hal]

I know this sounds bonehead simple, Well, since I just got done reading the "Just call me Dan" thread over in general,,,,I guess you'll can just call me "boney"..cause I made that bone head mistake myself.:uhoh:
:D
'nuther "boney" I pulled was not cleaning out the crud and unburned powder from underneath the star extractor.


<<<dem bones,
dem bones.
dem dry bones,

la la la,,,>>>

(Great,,,,now I'll have that running through my semi drug addled brain all afternoon)<-- oral surgery /how do you spell relief?

Gimme a P
Gimme a E
Gimme a R
Gimme a C
Gimme a O -- as in OHHHH! Yeah.....

Wecome to fight 5/02/03. Today your Cappy will be flying @ 45K feet,,,the rest of the plane will remain on the ground,,,,

(think I beter lay down for a bit now folks,,,catch ya later :D)

[motorep]

And the winner is: ChristopherG- loose ejector rod. You can probably tell I'm not a revover mechanic. I spend a lot of time with 1911s, very little with revolvers. Thank you, very much.

[Hal]

motor,

don't trust myself right now to give the correct advice on how to tighten the rod
(meds are REALLY kicking in)

there's a couple of tricks to it to keep from buggering up the star extractor that hopefully someone can post.

[Sprout]

It might also be a bent ejector rod.

[ChristopherG]

motorep--glad the problem's solved. Of course, there'e only one way I know the answer to this problem, and that's 'cause I had to ask at one time too. And congratulations. Odds are you've just experienced the only trouble that S&W is likely to give you, and it turns out to be nothing.
Cg

[QuickDraw]

Motorep,
Had the same problem on Sunday.Badger Arms gave me the
answer.I was wondering why the knurled end of the rod was
marred,previous owner used pliers!!:what:
Anywho,will order a new ejector rod from Brownells this week.

Good shooting!

QuickDraw

[BobK]

Hey guys! Someone wanted to know the tricks for tightening
up the ejector rod?
Load a couple of empty cartridges in the cylinder to hold the
extractor star. They have a special tool, but just use a pair of pliers with a thick piece of leather (from a heavy leather belt).
The leather will keep the rod from being marred. Turn counter-
clockwise to tighten. ;) Bob