S&W 66-5 question

[gamestalker]

I've got a question about my 66-5 regarding how the star aligns with the cylinder. Is it unusual that my cylinder doesn't utilize alignment pins? There are no holes in the star, or holes in the cylinder for pins. The star is instead precision mated to the cylinder, no other system of alignment is present. My 66-2 is very different, and does have alignment pins, the -5 relies only on star to cylinder precision fitting.

GS

 

[MrBorland]

It's not unusual. At some point (obviously between the -2 and -5s), S&W did away with those pins. Personally, I prefer they not be there anyway.

 

[Kp321]

Just don't forget to drop a couple of empties into opposite chambers if you decide to unscrew the ejector rod.

 

[mope540]

Push the ejector rod and see if it is machined flat on one side to keep it from turning in relation to the cylinder

 

[BCRider]

There's a little keyway instead of a flat.

And a hearty "HELL YA!" to filling the chambers with empty brass for any loosening or tightening of the ejector rod end. Without the pins and due to the small size of the shaft and key it would be almost certain that damage would be done if the end was tightened with anything other than energetic fingers.

I find that they invariably come loose if only finger tightened. So I fill the chambers and use pliers and a padding of thick leather to pinch the ejector plunger just a hair tighter than finger tight. That keeps things in place just fine.

 

[gamestalker]

Oh ya, I know how to tighten an ejector rod. The ejector came loose once, I blocked the star so it wouldn't damage the fitted seats, and it hasn't come loose now in probably 2k of H110 loads.

I just always look at the design on that -5 and wonder why S&W dropped the pins, seems a bit more rigid design to me?

GS

 

[orionengnr]

Probably the same reason they discontinued P&R'ed revolvers. Cost.

And more's the pity...

But 'tis what 'tis. And nothing you or I say will change it.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Is it unusual that my cylinder doesn't utilize alignment pins?

Not at all, the close tolerances held by CNC machining has made the pins redundant