Question to those familiar w later model High Standard Sentinels (R-106, 107, 108..)

Having an High Standard R-101, I'm more familiar with the earlier model Sentinels. Mine's currently at someone's house where I'm able to shoot and not with me now so I do not have access to it for comparisons or reference as I write this.

I recently purchased a Sentinel Deluxe, R-107 with which it has both similarities and differences. Among the latter, unlike the R-101, the R-107 does have a spring in the cylinder.

Something about this new one just doesn't seem quite right to me. I don't know if it is merely my unfamiliarity with a different design or if it is improperly assembled or has parts missing.

When closed and "in battery" everything seems fine: the lockup appears tight, the indexing correct and it seems to operate as it should. I have not yet test fired it but, offhand, see no reason it shouldn't function properly.

However, when opened as the cylinder clears the frame, the spring releases tension driving backwards the extractor and cylinder together and, usually, unless one is aware of the situation and special precautions taken, will ram the cylinder into the frame.

It doesn't appear to perform any desirable function but only creates an inconvenience, makes necessary additional steps handling, and causes damage to the frame. I find it difficult to believe this is proper operation or the intended design. My thinking was that on models with ejector springs, the spring would act on the ejector against the cylinder not as this appears; the extractor and cylinder together against the crane. In other words, on this one rather than pushing the extractor away from the cylinder to eject spent cartridges, upon opening, the extractor would already be at the end of travel and one would instead pull the cylinder toward the barrel tip. Could this possibly be correct?

I'd appreciate if someone could please shed light on this, confirm whether I purchased a broken firearm, and if so where the problem might lie. Does the cylinder on your Sentinel (R-107, R-108..etc.) also go this far back?

I don't know for certain but I'm assuming that the cylinder operates similarly on all later models (R-105, R-106, R-107, R-108, R-109...) regardless of barrel length so if any photos or illustrations are available they might also be helpful and would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance

I have located an exploded view diagram and compared it to what I have here. There are a few parts (in the diagram) that I am unable to account for by visually examination with it as is (assembled). It's very possible that these may not be visible until disassembled which I'd like to put off until necessary

Joem1945,
Thanks but my hunch is that --one way or tother --this involves the return spring that, if I recall correctly, wasn't added til some time around the R-102.

Jim,
If, when you get a chance, you could follow up on this and do a quick comparison, I'd appreciate it. Just knowing whether it is the same or different from others of the same model will be helpful.

My hunch is that the spring's job is to pull not push. It would make sense that if, when installed, it were stretched out and attached to the extractor (or some point after) so that, when ejecting shells, one would push the extractor out and the spring would pull it back into place. The diagram shows the (spring and other ) parts but doesn't clearly show how or where they might attach. Simply inserted into the cylinder it seems it might instead just push everything backwards, accomplishing nothing... acting as this one does. So, I'll revise my question to
can anyone shed any light on how the extractor spring is supposed to be installed?
Can anyone see how or to what the extractor spring is attached?

Thanks for any help

Am I confused about the role the spring?
I've been under the impression that its purpose is to, after ejecting spent cartridges, withdraw the extractor back into the cylinder so one doesn't get all those nasty scratches on the frame that those of us with Sans-Spring-Sentinels (R-100s, R-101s..) have. If the spring pushes, does it instead spring outward to automatically extract the cartridges upon opening the cylinder?

Jim K
First, thank you for your assistance.
You may be "right on target"! The ejector rod return spring washer & ejector rod retaining ring are the exact parts I was referring to as those "I am unable to account for by visually examination with it as is". If I understand you correctly, these would be loaded into the cylinder so that, when assembled, one wouldn't (or shouldn't) be able to see them. Is that correct?

If this is indicative of anything, holding the cylinder forward, I am able to pull back on the Ejector (7580) so that it actually slides out of the cylinder. Would this be possible if 7578 or 7577 were in place? Does yours do this?

I've seen multiple warnings against disassembling Sentinels, requiring special jigs, slave pins, etc. even to the point of some calling Sentinels a "gunsmith's nightmare". Can I assume this is only in reference to the action and does not apply to disassembling the cylinder?

Of course I'd prefer that this be perfect but, if all else functions properly and this (extractor return spring) is merely a convenience, one wonders whether it's worth the trouble to attempt the repair or better to just let this "sleeping dog lie"?


(By the way, for any interested, some good downloadable High Standard Revolver Manuals can be found at HiStandard.info. Thanks to a Mr. John Stimson, Jr.)