Revolver question

[Legionnaire]

I recently picked up a second-hand Taurus 445 .44 special. Its lockup is tight, and it seems to function smoothly. However, I've noticed that on a couple of chambers, if I try to turn the cylinder backwards by hand, the cylinder stop is not strong enough to hold the cylinder in place and after only the slightest resistance, it drops out of the way and the cylinder will turn. This only happens on a couple of chambers; on others, the stop keeps the cylinder from turning.

Should I be worried about this? It does not seem to affect the functionality of the gun; when the cylinder turns forward under the impetus of cocking the hammer (DA or SA), the cylinder stop does its job just fine.

 

[Old Fuff]

There may be two possible reasons (and perhaps more) but what is most likely is that the cylinder stop's ball (that part of the cylinder stop that sticks up through the frame and goes into the cylinder notch) isn't going high enough, or there is a problem with the spring and plunger that tensions it.

Both of these are minor issues, but probably require the attension of a qualified gunsmith or the Taurus Service Department (which has a checkered reputation for speedy work).

I have a 445, which is now discontinued, and I love it.

At this point I suggest that you call the company's service department and see what they say. Then deside what too do.

 

[Jim K]

You might also check to see if the cylinder stop "ball" fits properly into those two notches. They might be too small to let the stop fit. If that is the case, it is usually not practical to try to recut the notches; you might have to trim the cylinder stop ball down a bit on the sides, and accept any slight wiggle on the other notches.

Jim

 

[Legionnaire]

Thanks, gentlemen. Is this a safety issue? I don't see how it would be, but don't want to be foolhardy.

 

[Old Fuff]

Is this a safety issue?

Can't say, without knowing exactly what's going on. It could be dangerous if the revolver fired while the cylinder wasn't securely locked. You need an opinion from a qualified gunsmith that has the revolver "in hand." Or if for any reason you can't do that, return the gun to the manufacturer.

I consider a model 445 to be well worth the time and trouble. These days you simply don't find a reasonably sized snubby chambered in .44 Special.

 

[Legionnaire]

These days you simply don't find a reasonably sized snubby chambered in .44 Special.

Amen to that! That's why I picked it up. I'll start by giving Taurus a call. Thanks again.

 

[Big Az Al]

The spring for the cylinder stop, for many Taurus revolvers is in the pivot of the YOKE, so someone may have messed around and made the spring to week, or there is gunk around the plunger and cylinder stop.

My first check would be to remove the front side plate screw so the cyinder and yoke can be removed, then check the spring make sure the plunger moves free, and maybe stretch the spring just a tad. See if that works, if it does call Taurus and see if you can get a new spring.

 

[ExtremeGunCare]

I just wanted to say that Taurus has a lifetime guarantee on their guns. Give Customer Service a call at Phone: (305) 624-1115. Let them know what is going on.

Good Shooting,

Jason Lumetta
ExtremeGunCare

 

[Legionnaire]

Thanks for the follow-ups, gentlemen. Work schedule has had me too busy to do any work on this one yet, but I appreciate the pointers. I'll resurrect this thread when I have something to report.