Cylinder problem on S&W 640

[Deleted member 66305]

I bought my S&W 640 new in April this year, and it has on the order of 1000 rounds through it.

Last time I went to the range, I noticed the cylinder was sticking when I tried to open it.

Now I am cleaning it, and when i press the cylinder release latch (is there a name for that part i should know?), the cylinder does not open except with great difficulty. This makes it pretty useless for carrying defensively, if I want to reload.

Any suggestions?

How much would it cost to take it to a gunsmith at, say, Gander Mountain?

 

[capttom]

Not an expert but...
unless the loads are too hot and you're having cases or primers sticking, it sounds as if a good cleaning is in order. Grunge under the extractor star, that sort of thing. I suppose it might also be the latch itself which is binding, although picturing the innards of a Smith & Wesson, I don't know what that could be.

 

[Deleted member 66305]

Gave it a thorough cleaning after each range trip. Giving it another now.

 

[Hawk]

Make sure the extractor rod hasn't started unscrewing itself.

It's a left hand thread.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

My votes are for the ejector rod unscrewing or debris such as unburned powder granules under the extractor star.

 

[Deleted member 66305]

It was the ejector rod.

Thanks!

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Next step: remove the rod, degrease the threads, put thread locker (Loctite blue 242 recommended) on them and reassemble. Now it will stay put under normal handling and shooting but can still be removed later for servicing.