[RSVP2RIP]

What would cause the center pin on a S&W 66 to be too short? Bought it used and it was always tough to open. Added some endshake bushings to take care of that but it made the problem worse, so I took one of the two out. The amount of endshake isn't dangerous, I just thought it would harm accuracy. I have a new pin that I put in but I can't remember why I took it out and I can't remember where it is anyways... I thing it might have something to do with it didn't fit. Its a M66 no dash, maybe I got one for a newer model?

[rcmodel]

Bought it used and it was always tough to open.The cylinder pin being too short would not effect how hard it is to open. It just wouldn't want to stay shut.

If the cylinder release or bolt is pushing out level with the recoil shield of the frame, it will open.
If it isn't, it won't.

I'd look at that first and see if it is able to push forward level with the inside of the frame to push the cylinder pin in all the way.

But, sounds to me like your extractor rod housing is loose and unscrewed far enough to be hanging on the locking bolt under the barrel.

Hold the cylinder and see if it turns.

If it does, it shouldn't.

PS: I guess it could be too short on the front end.
But the bevel on the bolt should still let it open unless it is really too short.

rc

[RSVP2RIP]

It looks like the center pin is about 1/32 to 1/16" short of pushing out flush with the extractor rod and hanging up on the front locking bolt. The cylinder release bolt is flush with the frame. The cylinder is screwed on tight to the extractor rod, I did it in a vice with some empties in the chambers (left hand thread). I did screw the extractor on the extractor rod without the cylinder to see if it went on all the way and it did cover all the threads. It just is very puzzling why it would have broken off or why someone would have shortened it.

[Stophel]

If it was just a hair too short, you could just file down the ejector rod that much so that the pin pushes the front lock detent out completely. That's quite a bit too short, though, and you need a new one. ;)

And it's always amazing what people will do to guns. Don't be surprised to see the most illogical stuff.