S&W Mod 10, sometimes locks up

[Lord Grey Boots]

I have an older S&W Model 10-5 with an intermittent problem.

Once in a while, say 5% of the time, after firing a round (or dry firing), the gun will lock up. IE, trigger won't move, hammer can't be pulled back.

I can open the cylinder, and close it, and it will work fine.

No obvious timing issues seen. It does appear to be related to a particular chamber (I am trying to confirm that). I don't see anything obviously wrong with the ejector star. I don't grok the revolvers operation enough to understand what would be the critical point that binding up.

Any suggestions on where to look?

 

[steelhead]

Check to make sure that the ejector rod is screwed in tight. Just a slight backing out can cause it to lock up the revolver. I had a similar problem with my M10 and that was the issue.

 

[Rex B]

I had that problem recenlty with a well-worn 10-8. I determined it needed a new cylinder lock. Bought one from Brownells' for about $13, works fine.