can not open cylinder on s&w revolver

oneshottc · 06-10-2014, 12:52 PM

Picked up a used S&W mod 36 J Frame. I knew it had a problem but got it at a good price. I can't get the cylinder to open. The latch just will not slide farther to let cylinder open. Help! Thanks,

dfariswheel · 06-10-2014, 03:54 PM

The ejector rod may have come unscrewed.

Rock the hammer backward and slip a business card under the cylinder between it and the frame to hold the cylinder stop down.
This will allow you to roll the cylinder backward (clockwise).
Hold the ejector rod with a small pair of pliers as you roll the cylinder clockwise.
If the ejector rod is loose, the rod should thread back in far enough to allow you to open the cylinder out of the frame.

Put three EMPTY cases in the chambers, then pad the rod by wrapping some sheet copper or leather around the ejector rod, grip the rod with pliers around the padding and tighten snuggly.
Don't tighten so tight you strip the fine threads.

If it wants to unscrew with use, put a drop of fingernail polish on the rod threads before tightening.
DO NOT use Loctite. It can infiltrate into areas you don't want it and "glue" the cylinder assembly together.

oneshottc · 06-11-2014, 06:50 AM

Thank, dfariswheel, I tried holding the ejector rod but I was unable turn the rod. I didn't want to break the rod. What do you thing I should do next???

dfariswheel · 06-11-2014, 03:39 PM

Either send it to S&W or take it to a gunsmith KNOWN to be qualified to work on S&W revolvers.

JohnnyT · 06-11-2014, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Thank, dfariswheel, I tried holding the ejector rod but I was unable turn the rod.

Don't turn the rod. Hold the rod still and turn the cylinder.

oneshottc · 06-17-2014, 12:06 PM

Got it open now I need a extractor rod left thread 2in barrel and a center pin.

dfariswheel · 06-17-2014, 06:32 PM

Best source is to call S&W direct. They can fix you up with the correct parts.
Have your model and serial number handy, parts did change.

oneshottc · 06-20-2014, 04:08 AM

Thanks for the help, got parts from S&W.

dfariswheel · 06-20-2014, 04:42 PM

To install, put three EMPTY cases in the cylinder to support and protect the ejector, then use PADDED pliers to tighten the rod in place.

You want it tight, but not to the point where you strip the fine threads.
I DON'T recommend using Loctite. It can infiltrate into other areas and cause major problems.
If you want, you can use a drop of fingernail polish as a thread locker.

06-10-2014, 12:52 PM	#1
oneshottc Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Tazewell, VA Posts: 5	Can't get cylinder to open! Help!! Picked up a used S&W mod 36 J Frame. I knew it had a problem but got it at a good price. I can't get the cylinder to open. The latch just will not slide farther to let cylinder open. Help! Thanks,

06-11-2014, 06:50 AM	#3
oneshottc Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Tazewell, VA Posts: 5	Thank, dfariswheel, I tried holding the ejector rod but I was unable turn the rod. I didn't want to break the rod. What do you thing I should do next??? Last edited by oneshottc; 06-11-2014 at 07:01 AM.

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06-10-2014, 03:54 PM	#2
dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 1,800	The ejector rod may have come unscrewed. Rock the hammer backward and slip a business card under the cylinder between it and the frame to hold the cylinder stop down. This will allow you to roll the cylinder backward (clockwise). Hold the ejector rod with a small pair of pliers as you roll the cylinder clockwise. If the ejector rod is loose, the rod should thread back in far enough to allow you to open the cylinder out of the frame. Put three EMPTY cases in the chambers, then pad the rod by wrapping some sheet copper or leather around the ejector rod, grip the rod with pliers around the padding and tighten snuggly. Don't tighten so tight you strip the fine threads. If it wants to unscrew with use, put a drop of fingernail polish on the rod threads before tightening. DO NOT use Loctite. It can infiltrate into areas you don't want it and "glue" the cylinder assembly together.

06-11-2014, 03:39 PM	#4
dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 1,800	Either send it to S&W or take it to a gunsmith KNOWN to be qualified to work on S&W revolvers.

06-17-2014, 12:06 PM	#6
oneshottc Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Tazewell, VA Posts: 5	Got it open now I need a extractor rod left thread 2in barrel and a center pin.

06-17-2014, 06:32 PM	#7
dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 1,800	Best source is to call S&W direct. They can fix you up with the correct parts. Have your model and serial number handy, parts did change.

06-20-2014, 04:08 AM	#8
oneshottc Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Tazewell, VA Posts: 5	Thanks for the help, got parts from S&W.

06-20-2014, 04:42 PM	#9
dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 1,800	To install, put three EMPTY cases in the cylinder to support and protect the ejector, then use PADDED pliers to tighten the rod in place. You want it tight, but not to the point where you strip the fine threads. I DON'T recommend using Loctite. It can infiltrate into other areas and cause major problems. If you want, you can use a drop of fingernail polish as a thread locker.