[SGW42]

Howdy folks,

Took my S&W 19-3 to the range with me yesterday. First, about 75 rounds of .38 Spl, and then I put 50 rounds of .357 mag (158 grain FMJ) through it. Towards the end of those 50 .357s the cylinder became a little tough to open, but I figured it was just getting hot and/or dirty. But after exactly the 50th round, it refused to open.

Once I got it home I managed to get it open once to give it a good cleaning, but once closed again it stayed shut for good. I figured out it is the pin in the lug that holds the extractor rod. If I insert a small screwdriver to push this pin back further while I hold the cylinder release, it pops open.

But still not sure what's up. When I just push the cylinder release forward, I can see that lug pin move forward, but apparently it's not enough. The rear of the cylinder comes loose, I can push it out slightly, so that seems to be ok.

Any suggestions before I take it to my smith? TIA.

[Bellevance]

Once I got it home I managed to get it open once to give it a good cleaning, but once closed again it stayed shut for good. I figured out it is the pin in the lug that holds the extractor rod. If I insert a small screwdriver to push this pin back further while I hold the cylinder release, it pops open.

You sure it's the pin and not the rod itself backing out? That problem has occurred with my 19-4. It's not uncommon. Try screwing in the ejector rod (counterclockwise) to seat it firmly in the cylinder. If that fixes it, all you need is a drop of Loctite blue on the threads.

Good luck. :)

[SGW42]

A ha! I never even thought about that! Since everything else seems to be working I bet that's what it is.

I am going to give it a shot when I get home from work.

[Standing Wolf]

You sure it's the pin and not the rod itself backing out? That problem has occurred with my 19-4. It's not uncommon. Try screwing in the ejector rod (counterclockwise) to seat it firmly in the cylinder. If that fixes it, all you need is a drop of Loctite blue on the threads.

It's not only not uncommon, but the norm. A drop of nail polish works as well as Loctite, and costs considerably less.

[CU74]

Been there, done that. The first time it happens is a real puzzler, but that's one of the ways we learn.

[Bellevance]

A drop of nail polish works as well as Loctite, and costs considerably less.

Thanks for that, Standing Wolf.

[SGW42]

Well, I have the revolver in hand now, but haven't made much progress. The ejector rod is ultra tight - both ways. I can't screw it in, or screw it out.

Just to confirm what I'm doing, with the yoke out and holding the cylinder steady, I am twisting the ejector rod hard counter-clockwise. Do I need to push it in (as though ejecting cartridges) as I twist?

[SGW42]

After searching around a bit here and other places, seems the way to do it is to drop spent cases in the cylinder and grab the ejector rod with leather covered vise grips. Best I have is pliers (only gunsmithing tools I have in my apartment is are a set of screwdrivers and a brass hammer for working on my Ruger Marks). But still a no go.

Instead of me screwing around and breaking something I think it's better to take this to a pro. But I appreciate all of the advice given. Learning new things every day here at THR.

[Round Gun Shooter]

Check for a build up of unburned powder and/or oil under the extractor. This is sometime a problems also.