new to me H&R 999 questions

[Liberty1776]

My very first H&R 999 which I just bought (slightly) used.

Two questions - 1. when ejecting, shouldn't the cylinder stay in place, and the extractor lift the brass out? My whole cylinder lifts, unless I hang on to it with a couple fingers. I don't know what is normal. (I have an owner's manual I just bought - in the mail to me right now, but you know -- I can't wait. New gun and all...)

2. On cylinder indexing - when cocked single action, the cylinder can still be moved slightly (by hand) until full lock-up, maybe 1/16" or so. Opening the gun while cocked and checking alignment, the cylinder does not seem to be completely lined up straight with the bore.

I've always wanted a 999; got this one cheaply enough at auction that I don't mind fixing it if needed; I just don't know if it needs fixing or not? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[RaceM]

On the lack of indexing- Sounds like the hand isn't giving it a full throw, so I'd suspect a worn hand, likely at the tip where it engages the ratchet star on the cylinder. Possibly the star teeth are worn, giving the same result.

But, given that the cylinder doesn't stay put when ejecting it could be that there's so much slop that the hand's effort is going into cylinder wobble instead of rotation so it doesn't lock up.

Wait on your manual, or see if you can find an exploded view on line, and check the cylinder problem first.

 

[788Ham]

On the left side of the revolver, in front of the cylinder, with everything closed and locked up, is there a small bent metal pin there sticking out? This is the little "latch" that secures the cylinder to the rod that fits inside of it. If it is missing, there is more than likely your answer as to why the cylinder raises when unloading the spent brass. I know on mine, it was out of joint, if you will, I couldn't get the cylinder to catch and stay in place, one re-inserted, it latched and things were okay. With the cylinder raising, and your not being able to have the cylinder ratchet into place, indexing the cylinder to squarely align for the next shot, this might be the gremlin causing this! I'll almost bet the pin, or missing pin is the problem!

 

[Liberty1776]

Thanks for these hints, guys! I'm on the road right now but when I get back in a week, I'll know where to start...