Cimmaron Cylinder Not Locking When Fully Cocked

[OldDominion]

Hi everybody, I've been reading this forum off and on for years but never joined before.

A few months ago, I bought my first handgun--a Cimmaron stainless model P. It was a significant portion of my income, but also a lifelong dream.

Now, though I've only ever dry-fired it with snap caps loaded, it has a problem. :banghead:

It sounds as if it is only clicking three times, and then the cylinder doesn't lock up. The bolt (is that the right word?) can be pushed down and doesn't come back up when it is fully cocked. I believe it is the third click, the cylinder lock click, that's somehow getting skipped. The cylinder bolt also just doesn't raise into the cylinder whatsoever now.

For the record, I've never fanned the hammer or anything ill-advised like that, thanks to the advice I've read in these forums.

Is this something I can fix with diligent and careful home repairs? What could the problem be? Bolt spring, or something worse?

Thank you in advance for any help or advice!

( Edit: Realized it's spelled Cimarron )

 

[Old Fuff]

There are a number of possibilities, but the most likely one is a broken trigger & bolt spring. If you have the correct screwdrivers (very important) and understand the process you can take the revolver apart and install a new spring. If you prefer to not do this, return it to Cimarron and they will repair it. Screwdrivers and a new spring can be obtained at www.brownells.com

In the event that the spring is not the problem fixing the revolver might get more involved, and in that case I would return the gun to Cimarron.

 

[rcmodel]

If in fact it turns out to be a broken bolt/trigger spring, which is very likely on a traditional single-action.

Get a music wire spring from Wolff to replace it.
It won't break again.
http://www.gunsprings.com/index.cfm?page=items&cID=3&mID=1#403

rc

 

[1911Tuner]

Will the stop bolt come up and engage the notches at all? With the hammer down, does the cylinder free spin?

After you cock the hammer, if you turn the cylinder just a little further in its direction of travel, will the bolt stop it...or does it just keep turning?

If the spring is broken, the bolt won't rise. If it will, it's not the spring. The place to look is at the hand and/or the ratchet. If, during your dry-fire sessions, you've been cocking the hammer fast and with force, you may have damaged the hand and the gun is out of time. That was a failing with the original '73SAA, and it's still present in its true clones unless a positive hammer stop is installed that keeps you from over-cocking the hammer after the cylinder is locked, forcing the hand hard against the ratchet.

 

[OldDominion]

Hi everyone,

Thank you very much for the advice. I'm going to go get the proper screwdrivers today and have a peek ASAP.

The bolt did come up partway for about a dozen more very slow cockings but then stopped doing even that. Now it sits there and doesn't come up except for a short instant when the hammer is lowered, and then it falls right back down.

I hope I didn't damage the hand. I'll let everyone know what I see when I get it opened up.

Thank you all again, you've been very helpful.

 

[1911Tuner]

Sounds like you've got a spring problem. Simple and easy to fix.

 

[OldDominion]

I disassembled it--much easier than I thought it would be. I carefully checked every piece, didn't see a single issue on the hand, though admittedly I'm no expert. Nevertheless, saw no bends, breaks, or anything else.

As for the bolt spring, it wasn't broken but it did seem to have lost its spring, as it were. It wasn't pushing the bolt up properly even when I made sure it was at the right angle and snug. I tried to gently bent it into shape but obviously that was a bad idea...my new spring will be arriving from Wolff shortly

I'm inclined to say the spring was the issue, at any rate. We'll see when the new one arrives.

Again, thank you all for your help. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Old Fuff]

Occasionally you get a spring with an internal crack, after which it doesn't "spring" anymore.

If you try to bend it, it becomes a two-piece part... :banghead:

Carry on.

 

[1911Tuner]

I carefully checked every piece, didn't see a single issue on the hand, though admittedly I'm no expert. Nevertheless, saw no bends, breaks, or anything else.

You'd know it if there was. Hammer slammin' without a positive stop chews'em up pretty badly.

 

[OldDominion]

Hello again--I replaced the trigger and bolt spring. Problem solved! Not only that, but now it locks up like a submarine door. Before, there was a slight wiggle, though not enough to worry about.

Thank you all again for your help!

 

[rcmodel]

Glad to hear it all worked out well for you!!

rc