Scared myself today...

[guitarguy314]

So I took out my S&W 25-9 to oil it and what not. I let the cylinder swing out, but it felt weird. I turned it muzzle down to get a better look, and the crane and cylinder almost fell off of the gun!

I caught it, and found the screw that had somehow worked it's way loose from the other side of the gun.

I put it back together, and tightened the screw...everything seems to work fine now...but boy did it scare me.

My question is, would normal shooting work this screw loose, or is something else wrong that needs to be looked at by a professional?

Thanks guys,

L

 

[MrBorland]

As you discovered, that pesky screw is the only thing keeping the entire cylinder/yoke assembly from falling off the front of the gun.

If the screw's properly fitted (see below) and never been loosened since leaving the factory, it's unlikely that it'll work itself loose. More often than not, though, a curious soul will unscrew it as part of a disassembly. If it hasn't been snugged down (or even loctite'd) upon re-assembly, it can work itself loose.

My advice is to make sure it's snug and keep an eye on it. Be sure to use a proper hollow-ground screw driver, don't over tighten, and, importantly, be sure the cylinder opens & closes freely once tightened down. I'm assuming it still uses the old-style screw, so if there's noticeable drag when opening & closing, the screw may be a hair too long, in which case, a gunsmith needs to fit it properly (or send it to S&W). If all is ok when snugging down, though, you could add a teeny dab of blue loctite to the threads as a little extra insurance.

 

[huntershooter]

Hollow ground screwdriver.
Blue "Loctite".

 

[StrawHat]

If you don't have any loctite stuff on hand, shellac or even nail polish is a good substitue. Clean the threads and the hole with alcohol, apply a drop of "glue" and tighten the screw. Leave it alone for a day and it will hold.

 

[guitarguy314]

Thanks guys! I got it put back together and it seems to be working okay, but I'll keep an eye on it for sure.
I snugged it up and everything opens like normal, so I think I got it down. I had to use an eyeglass screw driver though. Where do I find hollow ground screwdrivers? Would midway or cabelas have them?

 

[Drail]

Frequently check all of the screws on any big bore revolver. This is a common complaint and I have seen people on ranges have the crane and cylinder fall out of the gun into the dirt because the screw was gone. Big bore revolvers are just like Harly Davidson motorcycles - all that vibration tends to loosen threaded fasteners. Degreasing the screw threads and Loc-titing them will help but you still need to check them. Do not attempt to "fix" this by overtorqueing the screws as tight as you can. (as many do)

 

[Guillermo]

Big bore revolvers are just like Harly Davidson motorcycles

Except that big bore revolvers have a good reason (recoil) to shake screws loose instead of horrendous engineering.

Revolvers are supposed to recoil. A properly balanced engine has minimal shake.

Check your screws and even more importantly, the ejector rod (reverse threads) regularly.

 

[Drail]

You are absolutely correct my friend. I still remember the first time I rode a Harley (after years of riding Honda motorcycles) My immediate reaction was "you gotta be kidding me".

 

[rcmodel]

A couple more points.

Not all the sideplate screws are created equal.

People sometimes take the sideplate off, and in the process exchange the fitted front screw with the unfitted rear screw that looks just like it.

It will either bind up the crane, or possibly be too loose.

While you got the Blue Locktight out?
Put a tiny dab on the thumb latch cap nut.

That is an often lost part when it falls off at the range in the gravel.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...uxe-gun-screwdriver-set-prod4979.aspx?ttver=2

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...-sets/s-w-revolver-combo-prod406.aspx?ttver=2

http://www.walmart.com/ip/20595706?...1=g&wl2=&wl3=21486607510&wl4=&wl5=pla&veh=sem

http://www.walmart.com/ip/B-Square-...mith-Screwdriver-Set/4939702?findingMethod=rr



rc

 

[Guillermo]

My immediate reaction was "you gotta be kidding me".

Didn't Yamaha have to put a harmonic UNbalancer on their twin because it was to smooth for the cruiser market?

But we gun guys can't be too judgmental...the Nagant, new S&W revolvers and hi points all have their followers.

Ride it or shoot it like you stole it

 

[Drail]

I have read that Honda's engineers intentionally "unbalanced" some of their cruiser engines to introduce a loping vibration.

 

[JEB]

blue locktite and your good to go. i have a super blackhawk that would not keep a single screw tight. a drop on each one, and no more problems.