S&W Model 586 Extactor Rod Question

[Ringer]

I have a S&W Model 586 .357 Magnum that is pushing 20 years old. This was my first gun, purchased new. It's never really gotten heavy use over the years but I have been putting more rounds throught it lately, maybe 100 a week. The gun has been pretty well maintained over the years. What has been happening is that the extractor rod will become loose and I will have to tighten once during a range trip. I have never really had this problem in the past. The gun seems to function normally. The cylinder is not loose. Is this a sign of something else being worn? Am I just not getting it tight enough maybe? I had this gun checked by a gunsmith within the last year when I knew I was going to start pushing more rounds through it. At that time he said it was in great shape.

Any suggestions? Crank it down tighter? Or time for another visit to the shop?

Thanks very much.

 

[Old Fuff]

You (or your gunsmith) can clean the threads and put a drop of "Loctite" on them. Ordinary fingernail polish works too. Thread the rod back into place but don't overtighten it. Let it sit overnight and I suspect your problems will be over.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I concur with Old Fluff's advice, and will add that over-tightening an extractor rod can ruin the threads. I've seen a couple used guns with that problem.

 

[Ringer]

I was concerned about overtightening the fine threads. If this is not a common sign of some other problem I'll go the loctite route.

Thanks for the response!