[jon_in_wv]

I recently traded for a used S&W 337. The problem is when attempting to eject the spent casings they do not fall out freely. I have to pull each one out by hand. The Smith manual says shell casings should fall freely from the titanium cylinder. I called S&W and they said, "used gun? NO WARRANTY". Nice.
Any ideas? The cylinder doesn't appear damaged and I gave it a thorough cleaning before heading off to the range. I WON'T carry this gun if I can't reload it. Help me out here.

[jon_in_wv]

I have a feeling I will need to buy a new cylinder for this gun. DO you think I could replace the titanium cylinder of the 337 with a stainless one from the 637/642 or another model of J-Frame? Its cheaper and the extra heft will cut down recoil a bit.

[jon_in_wv]

Anyone??

[jon_in_wv]

The folks at the Smith forums have convinced me this is a characteristic of the TI cylinder Smiths. I need to use a little more "motivation" to get the rounds to eject from the TI cylinder than you would normally use with a steel cylinder. Either way that stinker just kicks TOO much for me!! I'll be offering it up for trade in a day or so if anyone is interested.

[The Lone Haranguer]

How much is fault and how much is feature? These guns all have very short ejector rods (the stroke of which is shorter than the length of the case), requiring one to invert the gun and sharply slap the rod. Even then one or two cases might cling, usually the ones nearest the frame or grip. I don't think I've ever had any revolver where fired cases fell free of their own weight.

[Confederate]

Any ideas? The cylinder doesn't appear damaged and I gave it a thorough cleaning before heading off to the range.
Yes, call S&W back and lie through your teeth. Tell them it's a gun you've had for a while and you're only getting around to shooting it now. Or, if you know the previous owner, have that person make the call.

Regarding the problem itself, I suspect it's the pressure of the round itself. Obvious tries are switching to other types of ammo, including .38 +P and other types of magnum, if magnum you must shoot. The recoil on those suckers is enormous and I would only use it while camping or on the road. Indoors or for regular carry, it's just not a comfortable magnum. Trying to turn it into one would be a waste of time and money in my opinion.

What are these guns going for now, BTW?

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/sw337.jpg

[jon_in_wv]

I've tried several types of ammo including weaker target loads. I tried giving the ejector a good whack and that seems to help. The bottom line is the sucker really just kicks to much for my taste. I'm not going to carry it after my LCP gets in so I'm going to sell or trade it soon anyhow. Thanks guys.

I called Smith. They said used gun? NO WARRANTY!!

I got the 337 in trade. I'm not really sure what you would have to pay to buy one.

[Old Fuff]

You failed to say if the revolver is chambered in .38 Special or .357 Magnum, but if it's a Magnum the Titanium cylinders prevent a problem. In any .357 it's critical the chambers be kept absolutely clean and lead-free if you occasionally shoot .38 Specials in it. But Smith & Wesson says you have to only use solvents, not abrasives to clean the chambers.

I have personally gone to great lengthes to avoid Titanium revolvers - or cylinders. Yes they are light, but they sometimes present other problems. The difference in weight between a steel and Titanium cylinder isn't enough to put up with the negatives, not to mention the additional cost.

I think you would be wise to either trade or sell your revolver. Wisdom comes with experience.

[jon_in_wv]

Its a .38 special. And I agree the trade offs are not worth it to me either. I plan on trading it off.