Old S&W 36 shoots high on one chamber

[SullyVols]

This is a problem i suspected when I first shot it but as I've gotten better with it I'm convinced - one specific cylinder chamber is sending a bullet high. at 25 feet the round is about 6" high give or take. The only physical problem with this gun is a worn (I think it's called a Pawl) thing that holds the cylinder in place. With a small amount of force you can rotate the cylinder back one click when said high-shooting chamber is lined up. Otherwise gun is accurate on the other four chambers and locks up great. I bought an additional pawl off midway for like $10.00.

Should I even be worried about it? The gun is shooting high but in line with the other rounds. It's kind of a bizarre problem to me.

 

[Old Fuff]

The "pawl" (called "hand" in S&W-speak) is the part that pushes on the ratchet at the back of the cylinder and makes the cylinder rotate. The part that engages a notch in the cylinder and locks the chamber in line with the bore is called a "cylinder stop," and it, or a worn or battered notch are the most likely cause of your problem.

Rather then make the mistake of ordering parts that may not correct the problem, I suggest you return the revolver to Smith & Wesson and have it serviced. This may, or may not involve more money, but when it's returned ALL of the possible issues will be fixed by someone who knows what they are doing.

I would also add that parts such as the cylinder stop were hand fitted by skilled and experience assemblers. While they may drop-in, that doesn't mean they'll work correctly.

 

[murf]

clean the cylinder stop notches out first. use a stout toothpick and chip out the "hard as a rock" crud. that may cure your problem it may not.

but, it's free!

murf

 

[Old Fuff]

but, it's free!

True, but they're may be other undiscovered issues that neither the revolver's owner or we know about. For reasons I won't go into, simply cleaning out the notch may not be a complete solution. When in doubt a full inspection followed by correction of all discovered issues is worth the time and trouble, and all of the necessary work might be covered under warrantee. S&W will usually pay for shipping both ways - your door to the factory and back. No FFL middlemen required.

 

[tguil]

If it's an "old" Model 36, S&W will not touch it.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

With a small amount of force you can rotate the cylinder back one click when said high-shooting chamber is lined up.

If you can rotate the cylinder back, it isn't locking up. That's almost certainly the problem. If cleaning the locking notches doesn't fix it, it's a problem for a good smith.

 

[Jim K]

I think the failure to lock up may be related to the bullet going high. If the cylinder is being rotated slightly out of alignment as the hammer falls, the bullet can skew in the forcing cone and be inaccurate, possibly in a fairly consistent manner.

I agree on getting the gun repaired first; the inaccuracy is a secondary issue. But if you do return the gun to S&W, definitely mention the problem with the flyer.

Jim